The largest galaxy in this group picture is the “Condor” galaxy, NGC6872, in the upper left. It belongs to the Pavo Group, which lies well down at -70 DEC. Its one of the largest spiral galaxies known to astronomers. While it lies at about 212 million ly away its huge 522,000 ly diameter still lets it dominate this distant photo.

Its interacting with the small, lenticular galaxy IC4970 to its left, which approached it along its plane about 130 million ly ago. This interaction has resulted in new star formation in the Condor’s long arms. There is also a 300,000 ly trail that shows up in X-ray images that connects the Condor to the elliptical galaxy NGC6876, seen on the right side of the image.

PlaneWave 12.5″ Astrograph with an ST11000 camera, Astrodon filters, and ASA gearless DDM-85 mount. F/8 LRGB (41/8min L, 8/8min each 2×2 RGB).