The Cartwheel Galaxy from Hubble
Explanation:
To some, it looks like the wheel of a cart.
In fact, because of its outward oval appearance, the presence of a central
galaxy, and their connection with what looks like the spokes of a wheel, the
galaxy on the right is known as the
Cartwheel Galaxy.
To others, however, it looks like a
complicated interaction between galaxies awaiting explanation.
Along with the two galaxies on the left,
the Cartwheel is part of a
group of galaxies about 400 million light years away
in the
constellation Sculptor.
The large galaxy's rim spans over 100,000
light years and is composed of star
forming regions filled with extremely bright and massive stars.
Pictured,
the Cartwheel's ring-like shape is the result of gravitational disruption caused
by a smaller galaxy passing through a large one, compressing the interstellar gas
and dust and causing a
star formation wave to move out like a
ripple across the surface
of a pond.
Free Download:
APOD 2017 Calendar: NASA Images
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
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rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
