नवीनतम
Hubble spots slightly dishevelled galaxy 44 million light-years from Earth
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope's latest image reveals the mesmerizing beauty of NGC 7292, a galaxy located approximately 44 million light-years away in the constellation Pegasus. The galaxy is characterized by its irregular shape and a stretched-out core forming a distinct bar - a feature common in spiral galaxies.
Unlike well-known spiral or elliptical galaxies, NGC 7292 lacks the defined spiral arms and it appears slightly dishevelled with a hazy, faint glow. Astronomers classify NGC 7292 as a low surface brightness galaxy, making it barely discernible against the vast backdrop of the night sky. Such galaxies are typically dominated by gas and dark matter rather than stars.
Hubble inspected NGC 7292 as part of an observational campaign focused on studying the aftermath of Type II supernovae. These cataclysmic events occur when a massive star collapses under its own gravity and subsequently rebounds in a violent explosion, tearing the star apart. By examining the aftermath and the remaining nearby stars associated with a large sample of historical Type II supernovae, astronomers hope to gain insights into the diversity of these powerful cosmic events.
NGC 7292 hosted a Type II supernova known as SN 1964H, which was first observed in 1964. By studying the stellar neighbourhood surrounding SN 1964H, scientists aim to estimate the initial mass of the star that underwent the supernova event. Additionally, this investigation may reveal any surviving stellar companions that once shared a system with the star that eventually exploded as SN 1964H.
Launched by NASA in 1990, Hubble has allowed astronomers to observe the universe with unprecedented clarity, leading to numerous groundbreaking discoveries. The telescope is equipped with a suite of powerful instruments that allow it to observe the universe in different wavelengths - from ultraviolet to near-infrared.
