NGC 3124

NGC 3124 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Hydra. The galaxy lies about 110 million light years away from Earth based on redshift-independent methods, which means, given its apparent dimensions, that NGC 3124 is approximately 120,000 light years across. Based on redshift the galaxy lies about 170 million light years away. It was discovered by John Herschel on March 23, 1835.

The galaxy is seen nearly face-on. The galaxy is considered barred, but in red light the bar looks more like two very open spiral arms which swirl in the opposite direction than the outer spiral arms. The dust in the bar however is curved in the same direction as the outer spirals. The gas kinematics are consistent across the galaxy. Treuthardt et al suggest that the counter-rotation of the bar is transient in nature and not due to a merger.