NGC 88 is an interacting peculiar spiral galaxy located approximately 160 million light-years (49 Mpc) away in the constellation Phoenix. It is a physical member of Robert's Quartet (HCG 92), a compact group of four interacting galaxies. The galaxy has an apparent visual magnitude of 14.1.

Physical Characteristics and Environment

NGC 88 features a faint, diffuse outer envelope of gas and dust that has been tidally extended due to ongoing gravitational interactions with its neighboring group members, particularly NGC 87 and NGC 89. High-resolution imaging obtained by the Very Large Telescope demonstrates that these interactions have induced mild star-forming regions within its distorted spiral arms. The galaxy has an apparent angular size of 0′.8 × 0′.5 arcminutes, which at its light-travel distance of 160 million light-years translates to a physical diameter of approximately 35,000 light-years.

Discovery

NGC 88 was discovered by English astronomer John Herschel on September 30, 1834, using an 18.7-inch reflecting telescope at the Cape of Good Hope.

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