Edge-on – face-on: the galaxies IC2233 and NGC2537 a.k.a. the Bear Paw galaxy

About the Object

The image depicts two nearby galaxies in the constellation Lynx, one perfectly edge-on, the other perfectly face-on. On the upper right is IC 2233, an edge-on, low-surface-brightness late-type spiral galaxy - a thin, elongated disk with minimal dust and a slight warp. IC 2233 is located at an estimated distance of approximately 25 million light-years.

On the lower left is NGC 2537, a blue compact dwarf galaxy of type SBm, also known as the Bear’s Paw Galaxy. It shows a roughly circular, irregular structure with bright star-forming knots. NGC 2537 lies at a comparable distance, around 20–25 million light-years.

The image is completed by a number of background galaxies, some of them with visible sub structure such as spiral arms.

Observation Notes

Data were taken on 2025 November 18, 21, 22, and 23

Technical Details

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