NGC 3261

NGC 3261 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Vela. The galaxy lies about 110 million light years away from Earth based on redshift, which means, given its apparent dimensions, that NGC 3261 is approximately 130,000 light years across. It was discovered by John Herschel on March 15, 1836.

NGC 3261 has a low surface brightness bar with a bright nucleus. At the end of the bar there is a nearly complete inner pseudoring formed by the spiral arm. From the ring emanate two diffuse spiral arms that can be traced for more than half a revolution. The east arm is better defined than the west arm but at around two thirds of its length becomes diffuse. The spiral pattern is between a grand design galaxy and a multiple arms pattern, with at least ten spiral fragments visible.