Hubble Views Spiral Galaxy LEDA 89996

Spiral galaxy J04542829-6625280 is within the constellation of Dorado (The Swordfish). Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA; Acknowledgement: Flickr user c.claude

This newly released Hubble image shows spiral galaxy J04542829-6625280.

This little-known galaxy, officially named J04542829-6625280, but most often referred to as LEDA 89996, is a classic example of a spiral galaxy. The galaxy is much like our own galaxy, the Milky Way. The disc-shaped galaxy is seen face on, revealing the winding structure of the spiral arms. Dark patches in these spiral arms are in fact dust and gas — the raw materials for new stars. The many young stars that form in these regions make the spiral arms appear bright and bluish.

The galaxy sits in a vibrant area of the night sky within the constellation of Dorado (The Swordfish), and appears very close to the Large Magellanic Cloud — one of the satellite galaxies of the Milky Way.

The observations were carried out with the high resolution channel of Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys. This instrument has delivered some of the sharpest views of the Universe so far achieved by mankind. This image covers only a tiny patch of sky — about the size of a one cent euro coin held 100 meters (328 feet) away!

 

1 Comment on "Hubble Views Spiral Galaxy LEDA 89996"

  1. Oberzene Pruitt | July 6, 2015 at 6:58 pm | Reply

    I love to see and understand what’s out there, keep the work going.

Leave a Reply to Oberzene Pruitt Cancel reply

Email address is optional. If provided, your email will not be published or shared.