NGC 3981 / Arp 289 - Windblown Galaxy in Crater

NGC 3981 also known as Arp 289 is a peculiar unbarred spiral galaxy located approximately 62 million light-years away in the constellation Crater. Discovered by William Herschel on February 7, 1785. It is a member of the NGC 4038 Group, which is part of the larger Virgo Supercluster. The galaxy's distinctive "windblown" appearance, characterized by its stretched and distorted spiral arms, is believed to result from gravitational interactions with a neighboring galaxy, although no such companion is currently visible. This interaction has led to the formation of massive streams of dust and active star-forming regions within the galaxy. NGC 3981 serves as a compelling example of how galactic interactions can dramatically reshape the morphology of galaxies, offering insights into the dynamic processes that govern galaxy evolution.

Sources:

wikipedia.org

frientsofnasa.org

freeastroscience.com