NASA has released a stunning photo taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope of the dwarf galaxy UGCA 307.
This Hubble image shows UGCA 307, a dwarf galaxy some 26 million light-years away in the constellation of Corvus. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / R. Tully.
UGCA 307 lies approximately 26 million light-years from our Solar System.
Also known as LEDA 43851, DDO 153 and HIPASS J1253-12, the galaxy is located in the constellation of Corvus.
“Appearing as just a small patch of stars, UGCA 307 is a diminutive dwarf galaxy without a defined structure — resembling nothing more than a hazy patch of passing cloud,” Hubble astronomers said in a statement.
“It consists of a diffuse band of stars containing red bubbles of gas that mark regions of recent star formation.”
This new image of UGCA 307 is part of a Hubble project to explore every known nearby galaxy, giving astronomers insights into our galactic neighborhood.
“Before this set of observations, almost three quarters of nearby galaxies had been investigated by Hubble in enough detail to spot the brightest stars and build up an understanding of the stars populating each galaxy,” the astronomers explained.
“This Hubble project set out to explore the remaining quarter of nearby galaxies by taking advantage of short gaps in Hubble’s observing schedule.”
The color image was made from separate exposures taken in the visible and near-infrared regions of the spectrum with Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS).
It is based on data obtained through two filters. The color results from assigning different hues to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter.
“This crystal-clear image was captured by Hubble’s ACS instrument, which was installed on the telescope in 2002 during Servicing Mission 3B,” the researchers said.
“Hubble’s vantage point in low Earth orbit means that it is above atmospheric turbulence, giving it a sharper view of the Universe.”
“However, it is also close enough to Earth that astronauts could visit the telescope to repair and refurbish the telescope.”
“In total, five Space Shuttle missions flew to Hubble and kept it at the forefront of astronomy by installing new instruments.”
“The ACS camera replaced one of Hubble’s original instruments, the Faint Object Camera, which was built by ESA.”
Source : Breaking Science News