Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have delivered an unrivalled snapshot of the intermediate spiral galaxy NGC 1637.
This Hubble image shows NGC 1637, an intermediate spiral galaxy located some 38 million light-years away in the constellation of Eridanus. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / D. Thilker.
NGC 1637 lies approximately 38 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Eridanus.
Otherwise known as LEDA 15821 or UGCA 93, this galaxy is around 30,000 light-years across.
It was discovered by the German-British astronomer William Herschel on February 1, 1786.
Although at first glance NGC 1637 appears to be a fairly symmetrical galaxy, it has some interesting features and is what astronomers classify as a lopsided spiral galaxy.
“The new image of NGC 1637 comes from an observing program dedicated to studying star formation in nearby galaxies,” the Hubble astronomers said.
“Stars form in cold, dusty gas clouds that collapse under their own gravity.”
“As young stars grow, they heat their nurseries through starlight, winds, and powerful outflows.”
“Together, these factors play a role in controlling the rate at which future generations of stars form.”
“Evidence of star formation is scattered all around NGC 1637, if you know where to look.”
“The galaxy’s spiral arms are dotted with what appear to be pink clouds, many of which are accompanied by bright blue stars.”
“The pinkish color comes from hydrogen atoms that have been excited by ultraviolet light from young, massive stars.”
“This contrasts with the warm yellow glow of the galaxy’s center, which is home to a densely packed collection of older, redder stars.”
“The stars that set their birthplaces aglow are comparatively short-lived, and many of these stars will explode as supernovae just a few million years after they’re born.”
In 1999, the Lick Observatory Supernova Search discovered a Type II supernova in NGC 1637.
Named SN 1999em, this supernova was lauded as the brightest supernova seen that year.
It has been tracked carefully by astronomers, showing its relatively gentle fading through the years.
“When a massive star expires as a supernova, the explosion outshines its entire home galaxy for a short time,” the astronomers said.
“While a supernova marks the end of a star’s life, it can also jump start the formation of new stars by compressing nearby clouds of gas, beginning the stellar lifecycle anew.”