This compact elliptical galaxy forms a companion to M31, the Andromeda Galaxy. Its origins are unclear, but it may be a remnant of a larger galaxy that collided with, and was largely absorbed by, the Andromeda Galaxy. Le Gentil (as it is sometimes known, after its discoverer Guillaume Le Gentil) contains an active black hole at its core.
The swirling material forming the backdrop to Le Gentil in this image is a part of the spiral structure of the much larger Andromeda Galaxy, of which Le Gentil is a small satellitegalaxy. Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas
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