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.
Supernova One supernova has been observed in Arp 256N: SN 2010hp (TypeII, mag. 17.1) was discovered by the Infrared Supernova Search in Starburst Galaxies on 21 July 2010.
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