NGC 5363 & NGC 5364
An Unequal Pair in the Constellation Virgo

This deep-field astrophotography image shows the core region of the galaxy group LGG 362 (Lyons Groups of Galaxies) in the constellation Virgo. On the right side of the image is the magnificent spiral galaxy NGC 5364, a grand design spiral with a diameter of approximately 105,000 light-years. The system exhibits structural asymmetry and deformed spiral arms. Positioned on the left side is the massive, lenticular galaxy NGC 5363, which has a diameter of circa 70,000 light-years. Due to its bright core area, which is bisected by prominent, dark dust lanes, it bears the proper name "The Alligator's Eye".

The galaxy group is located at an average distance of 55 to 65 million light-years. The partially different distance data for the two main objects in various catalogs come from the galaxies' own movements within the cluster, which distorts the purely redshift-based distance measurement along the line of sight. Morphologically, both systems interact via gravitational tidal forces resulting from a close encounter (galactic flyby) in the pair's cosmic past.

In the present image orientation (North left, West up), additional group members are visible: Directly above NGC 5364 stands the smaller, elongated galaxy NGC 5360. Diagonally to the upper left (northwest of NGC 5363) is the edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 5356. Offset downwards (towards the East), a smaller dwarf companion galaxy geometrically forms an even triangle with the two main objects. The remaining image area is interspersed with a dense network of faint nebular smudges, consisting of local, not separately cataloged dwarf satellite galaxies of the LGG-362 group and distant background galaxies.