| Arp 256 | |
| Epoch: | J2000 |
| Constellation Name: | Cetus |
| Z: | 0.027 |
| H Radial V: | 7985 km/s |
| Dist Ly: | [1] |
| Type: | S: SB(s)b pec? N: SB(s)c pec |
| Appmag V: | S: 14.33 N: 13.60 |
| Appmag B: | S: 14.81 N: 13 |
| Size V: | S: 1.1′ × 0.6′ N: 1.1′ × 0.8′ |
| Notes: | Interacting galaxies |
| Names: | Arp 256S: MCG-02-01-051, PGC 1224 Arp 256N: MCG-02-01-052, PGC 1221 |
Arp 256 is a pair of interacting barred spiral galaxies located 380 million light years away from Earth in the constellation of Cetus. Arp 256 (also Arp 256S) refers to the southern galaxy; the northern galaxy is Arp 256N.
Both galaxies are undergoing intense star formation as seen from the many blue dots in them. Arp 256N has two long ribbon shaped spiral arms full of gas, dust and stars.[2]