Intermediate spiral galaxy


An intermediate spiral galaxy is a galaxy that is in between the classifications of a barred spiral galaxy and an unbarred spiral galaxy. It is designated as SAB in the galaxy morphological classification system devised by Gerard de Vaucouleurs. Subtypes are labeled as SAB0, SABa, SABb, or SABc, following a sequence analogous to the Hubble sequence for barred and unbarred spirals. The subtype is based on the relative prominence of the central bulge and how tightly wound the spiral arms are.

Examples

ExampleTypeImageInformationNotes
SAB0-SAB0- is a type of lenticular galaxy
SAB0SAB0 is a type of lenticular galaxy
SAB0+SAB0+ is a type of lenticular galaxy
SAB0/aSAB0/a can also be considered a type of intermediate lenticular galaxy
Messier 65SABaM65 is an "SABa"
NGC 4725SABabNGC 4725 is an "SABab pec"
Messier 66SABbM66 is an "SABb"
Messier 106SABbcM106 is an "SABbc"
Sculptor GalaxySABcSculptor is an "SABc"
NGC 2403SABcdNGC 2403 is an "SABcd"
SABd
SABdmSABdm can also be considered a type of intermediate Magellanic spiral
NGC 4625SABmSABm is a type of Magellanic spiral NGC 4625 is an "SABm pec"
Fireworks GalaxySABcdNGC 4625 is an "SABcd"