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A Captivating new image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope reveals the graceful structure of NGC 3511, a spiral galaxy located about 43 million light-years away in the constellation Crater, also known as The Cup.
The galaxy is notably inclined at about 70 degrees relative to our line of sight—positioned between a face-on view, which displays the full swirl of its spiral arms, and an edge-on view, which highlights its thin, disk-like structure. This intermediate angle offers astronomers a valuable perspective on the galaxy’s intricate features.
NGC 3511 is being closely studied as part of a Hubble survey focused on the life cycle of stars in nearby galaxies. The program involves capturing images of 55 local galaxies using five specialized filters, each isolating different wavelengths—or colors—of light.
One filter in particular highlights glowing red clouds of hydrogen gas—regions energized by ultraviolet radiation from hot, young stars. These vivid red patches, clearly visible in the image, often surround clusters of brilliant blue stars. These blue stars are relatively young—just a few million years old—and several times more massive than our Sun.
By studying these features, astronomers aim to deepen their understanding of how stars are born and evolve. With Hubble’s powerful resolution and spectral tools, researchers can catalog star-forming regions and estimate the ages and masses of these luminous newborn stars.
This breathtaking image of NGC 3511 is not only a visual spectacle but also a vital piece in the puzzle of galactic evolution.