A new type of galaxy with prolate structure

Abstract

A morphological study of five galaxies has revealed that they are characterized by a dust lane crossing a luminous elliptical-like body along the minor axis. The galaxies are NGC 1947, 5128, and 5363 and those associated with Cyg A and PKS 1934-63. The suggestion is made that these are members of a new class of galaxy with prolate stellar structure cut equatorially by a gaseous plane. The dynamical behavior of these systems is complex and not yet understood.