The morphological classification of this galaxy is SAB(r)a?,[4] which indicates a weakly barred spiral galaxy (SAB) with a ring-like structure (r) and possible tightly wound arms (a?). The Spitzer galactic survey lists a morphology code of (R1)SB(r′l,bl,nr,nb)0/a, meaning a barred spiral having a closer outer ring and an inner pseudo-ring/lens, plus a nuclear ring and bar/bar-lens.[5]Vera Rubin described it as having a "distinct elliptical structure intermediate between a spheroid and a disk".[8] Asymmetrical gas distribution in the galaxy suggests it has undergone a minor merger event that did not produce tidal tails.[9]
In addition to the main bar, there is what appears to be a counter-rotating nuclear bar in the inner ~10″, which is at an angle of 60° from the main bar.[10] There is evidence of star formation, but that has nearly ceased in the nuclear region due to the molecular gas being all but exhausted. The nuclear bar, if it exists, now consists of stars with little surrounding gas.[9]
This is a Seyfert galaxy of type 2, indicating it has an obscured active galactic nucleus (AGN) powered by a supermassive black hole at the center. The estimated mass of this object is 3.4×107M☉ and it is accreting mass at the rate of 2.7×10−2M☉·yr−1.[11] Energy released by the AGN is visible in the form of ionized cones that extend outward from the nucleus to a distance of more than 2.5 kpc, and lie across the line of sight from the Earth. X-ray and radiojets have been detected. The nucleus is being fed by spiraling filaments and dust lanes from the surrounding galaxy. The AGN itself is hidden behind a bar of dust approximately 64 pc in length.[5] The outflow from the core is encountering the galactic ring at a distance of 1 kpc and is significantly enhancing star formation in that region compared to other parts of the ring.[12]
The type Ia supernova SN 2009Y was reported in February 2009, before it reached maximum.[13] It was magnitude 16.0 at discovery and located 24.7″ north and 9.3″ east of the center of NGC 5728.[14]
^ abSeligman, Courtney, NGC Objects, retrieved 2019-11-27.
^Rubin, V. C. (June 1980), "Velocities and mass distribution in the barred spiral NGC 5728", Astrophysical Journal, 238: 808–817, Bibcode:1980ApJ...238..808R, doi:10.1086/158041.
^Prada, F.; Gutiérrez, C. M. (January 1997), "Counterrotating Bulges in NGC 7331 and NGC 5728", Bulletin of the American Astronomical, 29, American Astronomical Society, 189th AAS Meeting: 734, Bibcode:1997AAS...18912202P, 122.02.
^Martin, R.; et al. (February 2009), Green, D. W. E. (ed.), "Supernova 2009Y in NGC 5728", Central Bureau Electronic Telegrams, 1684: 1, Bibcode:2009CBET.1684....1M.