Cocoon Galaxy - NGC 4490

Higher resolution image

Image information:

Date: 06/20/2026
Equipment: QHY178c camera with QHY CFW3S filter wheel using Baader CMOS optimized LRGB&Ha filter set through APM/LZOS 105/650 APO telescope on Pegasus Astro NYX-101 mount. The telescope was working at f6.2 with Astro-Tech 2" field flattener.
Image type: LRGBHa
Exposure time: 20X3min LRG&B, 20X5min Ha each binned 1X1
Comment:  

Object information:

Object designations:
  • NGC 4490, Arp 269, Cocoon Galaxy
  • NGC 4485, Arp 269
Object type:
 Pair of interacting galaxies
Object size:
  • NGC 4490 6.3' X 3.1'
  • NGC 4485 2.4' X 1.8'
Constellation:

Canes Venatici
Comment:

NGC 4490, known as the Cocoon Galaxy, is a fascinating example of a cosmic collision in the constellation Canes Venatici, located about 25 million light-years away. Its unusual appearance and turbulent activity are the direct result of a close gravitational encounter with its smaller neighbor, NGC 4485. Once a regular spiral galaxy, NGC 4490 is now elongated and asymmetrical, with a massive "bridge" of gas, dust, and stars stretched between it and NGC 4485. The collision of gas clouds triggered an extremely rapid formation of new, massive stars. Common designation for both NGC 4490 and NGC 4485 is Arp 269.

Infrared observations revealed that NGC 4490 has two centers, one of which is hidden behind dust, proving that this galaxy already swallowed another companion in its past. NGC 4490 is approximately 40 kly across. Additionally, the tidal forces between NGC 4490 and its smaller companion, NGC 4485, have stretched out a 25 kly-long stellar stream (a bridge of gas, dust and stars) connecting the two galaxies.

Related images:

List of related images:

 

Home