NGC 7496 is a barred spiral galaxy situated roughly 24 million light-years away in the Taurus constellation.
This Hubble image captures barred spiral galaxy NGC 7496 in the constellation Hyuri, located approximately 24 million light-years away. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / R. Chandar / J. Lee / PHANGS-HST team.
NGC 7496 was discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on September 5, 1834.
The galaxy is also identified as ESO 291-1, LEDA 70588, and IRAS 23069-4341, and spans approximately 70,000 light-years in diameter.
NGC 7496 belongs to the NGC 7582 group, which comprises about 10 large galaxies.
This galaxy is classified as a Type II Seyfert galaxy, notable for a high star formation rate.
At its center lies an active galactic nucleus containing a supermassive black hole primarily consuming gas.
According to Hubble astronomers, “Hubble observed NGC 7496 for the first time as part of the Physics at High Angular Resolution of the Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) program.”
“Alongside the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this initiative utilizes the capabilities of various powerful observatories, including the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array, ESO’s Very Large Telescope, and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.”
“NGC 7496 was the inaugural galaxy in the PHANGS sample to be observed by Webb.”
“Each of these observatories offers a unique perspective on this extensively studied galaxy.”
“With its exceptional ultraviolet capabilities and high resolution, Hubble’s observations reveal young star clusters emitting high-energy radiation.”
“Hubble’s insights into NGC 7496 will assist in determining the ages and masses of these young stars, as well as the degree to which their light is obscured by dust.”
“Previous Hubble images of NGC 7496 were released in 2022,” they noted.
“Today’s image incorporates fresh data showcasing the galaxy’s star clusters amid glowing red clouds of hydrogen gas.”
Source: www.sci.news
