The Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled a captivating image of NGC 2775, a galaxy exhibiting characteristics of both spiral and elliptical types. Located approximately 67 million light-years away in the constellation Cancer, NGC 2775 presents a unique challenge for classification due to its smooth central region and feathery outer ring. While some astronomers regard it as a spiral galaxy owing to its distinct arrangement of star clusters, others suggest it fits better within the lenticular category—a hybrid of spiral and elliptical galaxies.

Observations indicate that astronomers can only view NGC 2775 from a singular angle, complicating its classification. Its smooth core resembles that of an elliptical galaxy, while the surrounding halo of dust and star formations points toward a spiral structure. The galaxy's complex history adds layers to its classification debate. It may have initially formed as a spiral galaxy that subsequently lost its gas or merged with other galaxies, adapting its current form. Evidence from Hubble suggests this galaxy has undergone significant interactions in the past, illustrated by a faint hydrogen gas tail extending nearly 100,000 light-years, indicating past mergers with smaller galaxies that contribute to NGC 2775's distinctive features.

Presently, most astronomers categorize NGC 2775 as a flocculent spiral galaxy. This classification highlights its soft, discontinuous arms made up of tufts of stars that loosely follow a swirling pattern. The recent imaging update from Hubble, published in 2021 but based on data collected starting in 2020, showcased vibrant red hues indicating the presence of hydrogen gas clouds surrounding newly formed stars. The bright pink accents in the image offer researchers increased ability to map the locations of stellar formation within this fascinating galaxy. With its mixed features and intriguing history, NGC 2775 serves as a unique object of interest in the field of astronomy.