About
this Object M65 and M66 are neighboring galaxies in the constellation Leo. M65 (right) is a typical sprial galaxy with a predominently older (orange) star population and a very prominent dust lane. A few star forming areas are just resolved on the north and south side of the galaxy. In contast M66 (left) is a very dusty and active spiral galaxy with active star formation (red and blue areas) and seems to be interacting with M65 and NGC 3628 which is out of view to the north. This interaction seems to be causing distortion which is seen by the faint bands of stars on the upper (North) side of the galaxy being pulled away. Both these galaxy's and NGC 3628 are part of the Leo group and are roughly 30 million light years distant.
