NGC 3166 and 3169 are another duo with their “horns locked” for a merger. Their colorful appearance, extended halos, and the asymetrical arm of the lower NGC3169 are driven by the interaction. The group lies about 75 million ly away, and includes the smaller, blue NGC3165.

There is a 160,000 ly separation between the two major players. NGC3169 is considered to be a pure, unbarred spiral.

PlaneWave 12.5″ Astrograph with an ST11000 camera, Astdrodon filters, and ASA gearless DDM-85 mount. F/8 LRGB (47/8min L, 8/8min 2×2 RGB).