NGC 2442 - The Meathook Galaxy

NGC2442 also known as “The Meathook Galaxy” is located around 50 million light years from us in the constellation Volans (flying fish). The main feature of the galaxy are the two asymmetrically extended tidal arms which most probably are the result of past gravitational interactions with other galaxies.

The galaxy bursts with star formation regions and active nebula areas as a result of this interaction, and presents a bright fast rotating central region.

Visible in this image are also some small galaxies wondering around, the biggest one being NGC2434 on the slight left bottom.