Hubble Space Telescope Discovers Stunning Lenticular Galaxy NGC 7722

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured stunning new images of the lenticular galaxy NGC 7722.

NGC 7722, also known by its alternate names IRAS 23361+1540, LEDA 71993, and UGC 12718, was first discovered on August 12, 1864, by German astronomer Heinrich Louis d’Arest.

This intriguing lenticular galaxy is part of the NGC 7711 group, which comprises seven prominent galaxies.

“Lenticular galaxies represent a unique classification that exists between the well-known spiral and elliptical galaxies,” Hubble astronomers stated.

“These galaxies are less common as their ambiguous morphology makes it challenging to classify them definitively as spiral, elliptical, or a hybrid of both.”

“Many known lenticular galaxies, including NGC 7722, exhibit features of both spiral and elliptical types.”

“Although NGC 7722 lacks the prominent arms characteristic of spiral galaxies, it showcases a magnificent glowing halo and a bright central bulge reminiscent of elliptical galaxies,” the researchers explained.

“Unlike elliptical galaxies, NGC 7722 possesses a visible disk featuring concentric rings swirling around a luminous core.”

“One of its most remarkable attributes is the long lanes of dark red dust that elegantly curl around the outer disk and halo.”

Recent images of NGC 7722 taken with Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) bring the galaxy’s striking dust lanes into sharp focus.

“Dust bands are common among lenticular galaxies and create a stunning contrast against the smooth, luminous halo typically surrounding such galaxies,” the astronomers added.

“The distinctive dust lane of NGC 7722, like many other lenticular galaxies, is believed to result from a past merger with another galaxy.”

“While the exact formation processes of lenticular galaxies remain elusive, mergers and gravitational interactions are thought to play a critical role in altering their shapes and influencing their gaseous and dusty content.”