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Hubble Reveals Chaotic Secret in Spiral Galaxy
Confirmed
In Short: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has revealed a chaotic secret within the spiral galaxy NGC 4698, which lies about 55 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo.
The galaxy's spiral arms form a ring-like structure around the perimeter, rather than winding down to the center.
Astronomers have noted that the galaxy's central bulge, which appears as a ghostly glow above and below the dusty disk, is elongated.
The diffuse off-white glow of the galaxy’s bulge comes from smaller, older, and cooler stars, in contrast to the massive blue stars found in the outer disk.
This discovery highlights the complexity and diversity of galaxy structures in the universe, prompting further investigation into the factors that shape galactic morphology.
What's confirmed
- The galaxy's spiral arms form a ring-like structure around the perimeter, rather than winding down to the center.
- Astronomers have noted that the galaxy's central bulge, which appears as a ghostly glow above and below the dusty disk, is elongated.
- The diffuse off-white glow of the galaxy’s bulge comes from smaller, older, and cooler stars, in contrast to the massive blue stars found in the outer disk.
- This discovery highlights the complexity and diversity of galaxy structures in the universe, prompting further investigation into the factors that shape galactic morphology.
What's still developing
- A chaotic secret hides within this seemingly serene image of spiral galaxy NGC 4698 taken by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and released on Sept.
- Unlike many other spiral galaxies, NGC 4698’s delicate spiral arms are only prominent in the outer reaches of the disk; spiral arms often wind down to the very center of a galaxy, but NGC 4698’s spiral arms appear to shy away from its glowing center.
- Astronomers have found that the culprit likely lies outside the galaxy.
- This galaxy is NGC 4698, and it lies about 55 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo.
- With a flat, starry disk and diffusely glowing center, NGC 4698 looks a lot like a typical spiral galaxy — but this galaxy is far from normal.