The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 3285b.

This Hubble image reveals NGC 3285B, a spiral galaxy approximately 137 million light years away in the Hydra constellation. The color images were generated from separate exposures in the ultraviolet and infrared regions using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), based on data collected through seven filters. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/RJ Foley, UC Santa Cruz.

NGC 3285b is situated around 137 million light years from the Hydra constellation.

It is also referred to as Leda 31293, ESO 501-18, or IRAS 10322-2723, with a diameter of 100,000 light years.

NGC 3285B boasts a disc and multiple swirling arms, characterized by a large, bright, golden nucleus, while its spiral arms exhibit a light, faint reddish hue.

It is part of the NGC 3312 Galaxy Group (LGG 210) and is a member of the Hydra I Galaxy Cluster.

“NGC 3285B is a component of the Hydra I Cluster, one of the largest galactic clusters in the nearby universe,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“Galactic clusters consist of hundreds to thousands of galaxies held together by gravity.”

“The Hydra I cluster is centered around two massive elliptical galaxies.”

“Each of these galaxies spans about 150,000 light years, roughly 50% larger than our Milky Way.”

NGC 3285B lies on the outskirts of the Hydra I cluster, distanced from the colossal central galaxy.

“This galaxy captured Hubble’s interest as it hosted a Type Ia supernova in 2023,” the astronomer noted.

“Type Ia supernovae produce a condensed star core known as white dwarf explosives, igniting a sudden fusion burst approximately five billion times brighter than the sun.”

The supernova, labeled SN 2023XQM, appears as a blue dot on the far left side of the galaxy’s disc.

“Hubble observed NGC 3285B as part of a campaign focused on Type Ia supernovae.”

“We aim to address the effects of distance and dust by examining each of these supernovae in ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared light.”

“This initiative will enhance cosmic distance measurements that depend on observations of Type Ia supernovae.”