| Name | The galaxy pair, called NGC 3314, includes a face-on spiral galaxy, NGC 3314A, and a more distant spiral galaxy, NGC 3314B. |
| Description | A pair of overlapping galaxies |
| Location | Found in the constellation Hydra |
| Distance from Earth | The distance to NGC 3314A is roughly 117 million light-years. The distance to NGC 3314B is roughly 140 million light-years. |
The chance alignment of the two galaxies, as seen from Earth, gives a unique look at the silhouetted spiral arms in the closer, face-on spiral galaxy.
"Fast Facts: Overlapping galaxies NGC 3314" is a table that lists the name, description, location, and distance from Earth of these overlapping galaxies. A picture of the galaxies is included.
Use this resource as:
A source of information. Read the table to find out about the galaxies.
A mapping activity. Locate the galaxies' associated constellation on a star map.
A large-number recognition activity. Have students study this table and other galaxy Fast Fact tables. Students can order objects based upon their distances from Earth.
An inquiry tool. Have students write down questions they would like answered about the image and the information in the Fast Facts table.
An engagement tool. Involve students in a discussion.
HubbleSite press release: "Chance Alignment Between Galaxies Mimics a Cosmic Collision"
Amazing Space resources by topic: Galaxies
