Galaxies NGC 703, NGC 704, NGC 705, NGC 708, NGC 709, NGC 710
Galaxy Cluster Abell 262

Galaxy Cluster Abell 262:

The Kopernik image above only covers the central portion of Abell 262, which is a large and loose cluster of 100+ galaxies in Andromeda. There are about 14 galaxies in the Kopernik image.

Abell 262 has been extensively studied in X-rays and in the radio continuum. It is a spiral-rich galaxy cluster, characterized by the presence of a central X-ray source centered on a 'cluster dominant' Elliptical Galaxy, NGC 708. These characteristics are similar to those of the closer and more famous Virgo galaxy cluster. Abell 262 is one of the more conspicuous concentrations of galaxies in the Pisces-Perseus super-cluster (a cluster of galaxy clusters consisting of thousands of galaxies).

Using the red shift data from the “NASA Extra-galactic Data Base(NED)”, (and a Hubble Constant of 62 Km per sec., per Megaparsec), one can calculate a rough distance estimate for the Abell Galaxy Cluster of about 260 million light years.

Elliptical Galaxy NGC 708, the 'heart' of Abell 262:

NGC 708 is classified as a 'cluster dominant' Elliptical Galaxy, (M-87 type). These galaxies are several times larger and more massive than any other galaxy. One, or sometimes a pair, of these giants often occupies the very center of a galaxy cluster. Like many others of its type, NGC 708 has a central dust ring and a Seyfert Type II Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN). Astronomers believe that AGNs result from a super massive black hole at the center of a galaxy devouring stars, gas, and dust. One theory suggests that "cluster dominant" ellipticals are the result of the merging of a number of galaxies. Any galaxy now unlucky enough to wander into the central regions of the galaxy cluster will be "cannibalized" by this giant elliptical at the center.

Galaxies NGC 703, NGC 704, NGC 705, NGC 709, NGC 710 and others:

There are about 14 galaxies in the Kopernik picture of the center of Abell 262, all with about the same red shift, and are thus likely cluster members. Most are dwarf ellipticals. However, NGC 705 is probably an edge-on spiral galaxy, and NGC 704 is a pair of Elliptical Galaxies with at least one other close companion. NGC 709 is a 15th magnitude Lenticular Galaxy.

Spiral Galaxy NGC 710, at the bottom of the image, was hosting Supernova 2002eo when this image was taken. Also, see our image of NGC 759, another member of Abell 262 that was also hosting a supernova in the fall of 2002. There are many more similar galaxies just outside of the Kopernik image field of view.

NGC 708 Magnitude: 13.7 Constellation: Andromeda RA: 01h 52m 39.6s Dec: +36° 10' 19" Epoch 2000 Size (mins): 1.2 x 0.9 Classification: cD;E, Sy2, A "Cluster Dominant" Giant Elliptical Galaxy; Seyfert Type II	Abell 262 Magnitude: 15.2 RA: 01h 52m 39.6s Dec: +36° 10' 19"Epoch 2000 Size (mins): 200+ Galaxies(population): 105 Classification: Galaxy Cluster; a part of the Pisces-Perseus super-cluster.
NGC 703 Magnitude: 14.2 Size (mins): 1.2' x 0.9' Classification: _ Lenticular Galaxy (uncertain)	NGC 704 Magnitude: 14.1 Classification: _ A Pair of two Elliptical Galaxies
NGC 705 Magnitude: 14.6 Size (mins): 1.2' x 0.3' Classification: S0/a, Spiral Galaxy	CGCG 522-30 Magnitude: 15.5 Classification: Elliptical (uncertain)

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George Normandin, KAS

October 9th, 2002