Pegasus dSph: Little Galaxy of the Local Group
Explanation:
The Pegasus dwarf spheroidal galaxy
(Peg dSph) is a
small, newly recognized member of
the Local Group of Galaxies.
Likely a satellite companion of the
Local Group's dominant player, the large spiral
Andromeda (M31),
the Pegasus dwarf galaxy is
almost hidden in the glare
of relatively bright foreground stars
in our own Milkyway.
Still, this
dramatic Keck telescope 3-color image reveals Peg dSph
as a clump of fainter, bluer stars 2,000 or so light-years across.
Excitement over
discoveries of
Peg dSph and other
nearby dwarf galaxies
reflects the fact that
little galaxies may loom large in the
process of galaxy evolution.
They are thought to be the
building blocks from which
larger galaxies are constructed.
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.
