NGC 4631 - Whale Galaxy
NGC 4631 is an edge-on spiral galaxy with a distorted shape resembling a whale, caused by gravitational interaction with neighboring galaxies.
Distance: 30 million light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 9.18
Apparent Size: 17' × 3'
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Morphology: SB(s)d (edge-on spiral)
Key Features:
- Whale-like shape from tidal distortion
- Interacting with NGC 4656 (Hockey Stick)
- Intense star formation in center
- Extended hydrogen halo
- Supernova in 2018
Best Imaging Season: January - May
Optimal Integration: 10+ hours
