| NGC3359 / Galaxy, type SB(rs)c II |
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| R.A. | 10h 46m 36.5s (2000.0) |
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| Dec. | +63°13' 26" (2000.0) |
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| Apparent Size | 7.3×4.3' |
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| Radial Velocity | +1008km/s |
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| Magnitude | 11.0 |
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| Distance | 49 million light yrs. |
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| Group of Galaxies | - |
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| Other IDs | UGC 5873, CGCG 313-33
MCG +11-13-37, IRAS 10433+6329
PGC 32183 |
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NGC3359 is a medium-scaled spiral galaxy floating at 2.5 degrees northwest from beta UMa (Dubhe) which forms the Big Dipper.
The galaxy has a long axis a bit longer than 7 arc minutes; this image shows you evolved S-shape wound arms clearly.
The distance from us has been estimated as about 49 million light years.
As shown in an inversed image, the galaxy has a much smaller companion SDSS J1044+6306 at 14 arc minutes south west.
It's known that NGC is "devouring" the dwarf galaxy and it will disappear eventually.
Of course the dwarf is out of amateur's observation target. However, the phenomenon is strongly interested by astronomers and the dwarf has been nicknamed "the Little Cub".
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