HICKSON COMPACT GROUP 44

60 million light-years

Seen from a wider perspective, we see that many galaxies form into groups, just as stars do, under the influence of gravity. This group of four galaxies is the brightest in the Hickson catalogue, and can be seen through a good amateur telescope. We live in a compact group ourselves - formed by the Milky Way and its neighbours.

Credit: Image made in visible light by Russell Croman.