Arp 251

Arp 251 is a group of three spiral galaxies. The galaxies (2MASX J00534840-1351148, 2MASX J00534765-1351358 and 2MASX J00533671-1349541) are visible in the constellation Cetus.^[1] Arp 251 is cataloged in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies,^[2] which is a catalog of unusual galaxies put into groups based on purely morphological criteria. Arp 251 belongs to the class of galaxies with signs of splitting.^[3]

Arp 251
Observation data (Epoch J2000)
Constellation(s)	Cetus
Right ascension	00h53m
Declination	-13°51'
Number of galaxies	3

Galaxies

Source:^[4]

2MASX J00534840-1351148

2MASX J00534 is the northernmost galaxy in Arp 251. It spans 30 arc-seconds in apparent view, which corresponds to a diameter of 170,000 light years.  The upper arm is disturbed, meaning that galaxy interaction may be present.  

2MASX J00534765-1351358

2MASX J005347 is the southernmost galaxy out of the triplet and has a magnitude of 15.1. It's visual magnitude is unknown.

2MASX J00533671-1349541

2MASX J005446 has a magnitude of 16.4 and a redshift distance of 700 million+ light-years. It has a larger angular size than the other galaxies making up Arp 251.

See also

• Halton Arp
• Hickson 40
• Lists of galaxies