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Hubble snaps stunning barred spiral galaxy image

Discussion in 'General Chit Chat' started by Micawber, Feb 3, 2012.

  1. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    The Hubble space telescope has captured an image of a "barred spiral" galaxy that could help us better understand our own Milky Way.

    Most of the known spiral galaxies fall into this "barred" category - which are defined by the pronounced bar structure across their centres.

    The presence of this structure may be an indication of a galaxy's age.

    Two-thirds of nearby, younger galaxies have the bar, while only a fifth of older, more distant spirals have it.

    The new picture also continues the Hubble space telescope's long heritage of striking astronomical images.

    In the upper left of the image is a cluster showing recent star formation that is just visible to Hubble's cameras.

    But it is a bright source in X-ray light; astronomers believe that this IXO-5 X-ray source is actually a "binary" system comprising a star and a black hole in mutual orbit.

    Source:-
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16856812



    NGC 1073 lies in the Cetus (a sea monster in Greek mythology) constellation

    [​IMG]
  2. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    Purely my opinion, but this Hubble Telescope has been a truly wonderful piece of kit.

    Although this picture is not one of the best, Hubble has given us some stunning Photographs
  3. yuna
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    yuna Cat Lover Staff Member

    Hubble is a HUGE dslr camera :):D :like:

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