Nasa has unveiled a stunning close-up image of NGC 6951, the Barred Spiral Galaxy, taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.
This Hubble image portrays NGC 6951, a barred spiral galaxy situated around 70 million light years away in the constellation of Cepheus. The color images were derived from separate exposures in the visible and near-infrared spectrum using Hubble’s Advanced Camera (ACS). Two different filters were utilized to capture various wavelengths. Colors were assigned by applying distinct hues to each monochromatic image linked to an individual filter. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/LC HO/G. Brammer/A. Filippenko/C. Kilpatrick.
NGC 6951 is located approximately 70 million light years from Earth in the constellation of Cepheus.
Also cataloged as NGC 6952, LEDA 65086, IRAS 20366+6555, and UGC 11604, the galaxy spans about 75,000 light years.
This remarkable galaxy was first discovered independently in 1877 by French astronomer Jerome Kogier and later in 1878 by American astronomer Louis Swift.
Astronomers categorize it as a barred spiral galaxy, classified as a type II Seyfert galaxy and a low ionization nuclear emission line region (LINER) galaxy.
“As this Hubble image reveals, NGC 6951 is a spiral galaxy filled with fascinating structures,” noted a Hubble astronomer.
“The most striking features are the spiral arms adorned with shimmering red nebulae, bright blue stars, and wispy dust clouds.”
“The spiral arm encircling the center of the galaxy emits a golden glow, a hallmark of the older star population.”
“The central region of the galaxy appears extended, indicating the presence of a slowly rotating bar of stars.”
At the core of NGC 6951 lies an ultra-massive black hole surrounded by what is termed an annular nuclear ring.
“The bar structure in NGC 6951 may be responsible for another notable characteristic: a blue-white ring encircling the center of the galaxy,” the astronomer stated.
“This is known as the nuclear starburst ring, which acts as a strengthened circle for star formation around the galaxy’s nucleus.”
“The bars funnel gas toward the center, gathering into a ring that spans about 3,800 light years.”
“Two dark dust trails parallel to the bar signify the entry points where gas from the bar transitions into the ring.”
“The dense gas within the nuclear starburst ring creates an ideal environment for initiating a substantial number of stars.”
Utilizing Hubble data, astronomers have identified over 80 potential star clusters within the NGC 6951 ring.
“Many of these stars formed within the last 100 million years, yet the ring itself has an extended lifespan, potentially persisting for 1 to 1.5 billion years,” the researchers elaborated.
Source: www.sci.news
