NGC 2997 is a beautiful, near face-on spiral galaxy located in the faint southern constellation Antlia (The Air Pump), known for its prominent dust lanes, bright star-forming regions (pink/red hydrogen clouds), and classic spiral arms that originate from a yellow nucleus, making it a popular target for astrophotographers studying galaxy structure and stellar evolution. It's a key member of its own galaxy group, about 40 million light-years away, offering a great view of galactic dynamics. .

ATILIA’S WHIRL Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 12 x 1.5 in (30.5 x 30.5 x 1.8 cm) $500.00

NASA Hubble Space Telescope

Antlia was created by the French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille to commemorate Papin’s invention. Lacaille spent several years studying the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa in the 1750s, The French astronomer and geodesist described the new constellation as la Machine Pneumatique (the Pneumatic Machine). In 1763, he Latinized the name to Antlia pneumatica when he depicted the constellation on his star chart.

There is no mythology associated with Antlia. It was too far south and too faint to be noticed by the ancient Greeks. It is one of the 14 constellations named by French astronomer Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century to fill in empty spaces in the southern hemisphere. It was originally named "Antlia Pneumatica" to commemorate the invention of the air pump by French physicist Denis Papin

Galatic Location: Antila Constellation

Celestial Phenomenon: NGC 2997

Collection: 88 Constellations

ANTILA’S WHIRL