The Hubble team has released beautiful images of two small interacting galaxies: NGC 5410 (the larger galaxy) and LEDA 49896.
This Hubble image shows the NGC 5410-LEDA 49896 galaxy pair. Image credit: NASA / ESA / D. Bowen, Princeton University / Gladys Kober, NASA and The Catholic University of America.
The NGC 5410-LEDA 49896 galaxy pair is approximately 171 million light years It is located in the constellation Hanabi and can be seen from the northern hemisphere.
NGC5410 is classified as a spiral galaxy, while LEDA 49896 is an irregular galaxy.
Hubble astronomers said, “There is a bridge-like stream of stars between the two galaxies, caused by their interactions.''
“Hubble imaged this galaxy in 2023 to investigate whether interactions between dwarf galaxies create a reservoir of particles that promote star formation.”
NGC 5410, also known as LEDA 49893, ECO 4436, and IRAS 13588+4113, was discovered on April 9, 1787 by German-born British astronomer William Herschel.
“NGC 5410 spans 80,000 light-years in diameter and has a bright white star bar at its center,” the astronomers said.
“This is also a spiral galaxy with a medium-sized nucleus and outstretched arms.”
“NGC 5410 contains many young blue star clusters, especially along its arms.”
Leda 49896Also known as UGC 8932 or ECO 4439, it has a diameter of 60,000 light years.
“LEDA 49896 has a bright blue star bar at its center, indicating that it contains young stars,” the researchers said.
“Its shape is irregular, likely caused by NGC 5410's gravitational distortion.”
Source: www.sci.news
