HCG 44

Hickson Compact Group 44 (HGC 44) is a small but striking galaxy group located in the constellation Leo, approximately 60 million light-years away. It consists of four interacting galaxies—NGC 3190, NGC 3187, NGC 3193, and NGC 3185—whose close proximity and gravitational interactions make it an ideal laboratory for studying galaxy evolution. This compact group, catalogued by UBC professor Paul Hickson, features a mix of spiral and elliptical galaxies, with tidal distortions and star-forming regions providing insight into the dynamic processes shaping galaxies in dense environments.

Imaged in BVR over 6.5 hours in 120-second exposures Feb 14, 2025, and Feb 23, 2025