Within the constellation Cepheus lies the barred spiral galaxy NGC 6951. On account of its stellar exercise, the galaxy has turn into a favourite for astronomers utilizing the Hubble House Telescope.
What’s it?
In Hubble’s latest picture, NGC 6951 unfurls its sleek spiral arms, lined in crimson nebulae glowing with hydrogen gasoline, a key gas for brand new stars.
The place is it?
The spiral galaxy NGC 6951 is positioned 70 million light-years from Earth, within the constellation Cepheus.
Why is it wonderful?
Crossing the core of NGC 6951 is a bar of stars, a standard function in elongated spiral galaxies that acts as a form of galactic conveyor belt, channeling gasoline inward towards the nucleus. That movement of gasoline offers rise to one of many galaxy’s most charming options: a circumnuclear starburst ring about 3,800 mild years broad that encircles the galactic coronary heart.
Inside this ring, the circumstances are excellent for an intense burst of star formation. The bar funnels chilly gasoline to the central area, the place it collects and compresses, triggering the delivery of recent stars at a big price. Utilizing Hubble’s knowledge, astronomers have recognized greater than 80 doable star clusters inside this ring, many lower than 100 million years previous, although the spiral galaxy itself has probably persevered for over a billion years.
Need to study extra?
You’ll be able to study extra in regards to the Hubble Telescope and the method of stellar evolution.
