Hubble Captures 'Gravitational Dance' Of Two Galaxies 60 Million Light-Years Away
This time, the ageing Hubble telescope captured a "dancing duo" of galaxies interlocked in a "gravitation dance." The two galaxies are officially known as NGC 3227, a spiral galaxy, and NGC 3226, an elliptical galaxy.
This Hubble reign just won't let up! The world's most famous space telescope has captured yet another stunning cosmic phenomenon.
This time, the ageing Hubble telescope captured a "dancing duo" of galaxies interlocked in a "gravitation dance." The two galaxies are officially known as NGC 3227, a spiral galaxy, and NGC 3226, an elliptical galaxy. Together, they're referred to as Arp 94.
The galaxies are situated 50-60 million light-years from Earth. The spiral galaxy, NGC 3227 is a Seyfert Galaxy, meaning that it has a supermassive black hole in its centre that releases large amount of radiation. Almost 10% of all galaxies in space are Seyfert Galaxies.
NASA
Why is Hubble observing these galaxies?
At the time, Hubble was observing the two galaxies to measure black hole masses. Hubble assessed the dynamics of gas at the centre of bright galaxy clusters. All the red parts that you see in the image represent visible red and near-infrared wavelengths of light.
Currently, scientists are attempting to understand why galaxies in the universe are either star-forming powerhouses or devoid of any star-forming activity. Young galaxies that form stars are usually spiral shaped, like our own Milky Way. Elliptical galaxies are older galaxies with no star-making capabilities.
Also read: Newly-Discovered Black Holes In Dwarf Galaxies Could Explain How They're Formed
The NGC 3226 is currently in a transition stage, stuck in the middle of this life-cycle. Scientists want to understand how a life-giving galaxy slips into a lifeless lull over time.
NASA
The material spread in between the two galaxies suggests that there could have been another galaxy until NGC 3226 gobbled it down and spread its remains all over the place. These leftovers stretch over 100,000 light-years, extending to the core of NGC 3226.
Also read: Hubble Telescope Takes Breathtaking Image Of Very Hard To Spot 'Hidden Galaxy'
What do you think about this cosmic gravitational dance? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
References
Gianopoulos, A. (2022, May 25). Hubble Captures a Galactic Dance. NASA.
Desk, T. (2022, May 26). NASA¡¯s Hubble Space Telescope captures galactic ¡®dancing duo.¡¯ The Indian Express.
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