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| This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image showcases the spiral galaxy NGC 5668, a striking celestial object located approximately 90 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. |
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has once again turned its gaze to the cosmos, unveiling a stunning image of NGC 5668, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. Positioned approximately 90 million light-years from Earth, NGC 5668 is relatively close in astronomical terms, making it an ideal subject for both space- and ground-based observations.
At first glance, NGC 5668 may seem unremarkable. Spanning about 90,000 light-years, it is comparable in size and mass to our Milky Way galaxy. Its nearly face-on perspective reveals a classic spiral structure, with arms that appear as cloudy, irregular patches.
However, the galaxy’s true intrigue lies in its rapid rate of star formation, which exceeds that of the Milky Way by 60%. This heightened activity can be attributed to two main factors. First, Hubble’s detailed observations have highlighted a central bar in NGC 5668, which, although appearing more as an oval, significantly influences star formation rates. Central bars in spiral galaxies often contribute to increased stellar activity.
Second, high-velocity clouds of hydrogen gas have been detected moving between the galaxy’s disk and its faint halo. These dynamic movements are likely driven by strong stellar winds from massive, hot stars, which feed into new star-forming regions.
The intense star formation in NGC 5668 also correlates with frequent supernova explosions. Notably, astronomers have observed three supernovae in the galaxy: in 1952, 1954, and 2004. Hubble’s latest image focuses on the aftermath of Type II supernova SN 2004G, aiming to understand the types of stars that culminate their lives in such explosive events.