NGC 7013 is a rather strange ringed system that is classified either as a spiral galaxy with very restricted arms, or as a lenticular galaxy. The outer portion of the galaxy is just dimly seen outside of the ring in the Kopernik image above. It has a distance of about 41 million light years, with a diameter of 47,700 light years.
NGC 7013 is in the class of galaxies with active nuclei known as LINERs (Low-Ionization Nuclear Emission-line Regions). At least some LINERs are less energetic versions of Seyfert galaxies. Many astronomers believe that active galactic nuclei are powered by giant black holes lurking in the centers of many galaxies. (see also M-77).
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George Normandin, KAS
October 1st, 2004