Starburst Ring in Galaxy NGC 1317
Explanation:
Where do stars form? A typical place
is an area of
dense nebular gas common
to arms in
spiral galaxies. Sometimes,
however, a burst of star formation can occur with unusual geometry.
Nearby galaxy NGC 1317 shows such an unusual ring of star formation
surrounding its
barred nucleus.
In the above image, older stars appear more red and are more evident
in the leftmost photograph in visible light. The rightmost photograph
taken by the
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope
is in ultraviolet and highlights
stars which are younger and bluer and shows the starbirth ring.
This unusual ring may be evidence of a
gravitational encounter
with another galaxy, causing a
density wave
to ripple out from the galaxy's center.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
