NGC 2997

NGC 2997, located approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Antlia, stands as a classic example of a barred spiral galaxy. It has been a subject of study, nearly always being compared to other barred galaxies with shared properties.  Recently, in August 2023, T. J. Fan et al. published the discovery of 48 dwarf galaxies orbiting around NGC 2997. These were added to the 7 previously known. The dwarf galaxies around NGC 2997 also have high rates of star formation.

The defining characteristic of NGC 2997 is its prominent central bar, a feature that can be seen by tracing the two dark lanes of the central region. The bar serves as a mechanism for redistributing gas and stars within the galaxy, playing a crucial role in shaping its morphology.

Observations of NGC 2997 have revealed a wealth of information about its stellar populations. The galaxy showcases regions of intense star formation, identified by the conspicuous large clusters of young, blue, massive stars. Two supernovae have been observed in this galaxy during this century (2003jg and 2008eh).