The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has revisited the galaxy called Messier 96. Messier 96 is a spiral galaxy located 35 million light-years away in the constellation Leo (The Lion). It has approximately the same size and mass as the Milky Way galaxy. It is also the brightest galaxy in its group.

Hubble’s images of this galaxy were previously released in 2015 and 2018. But this image offers more insight into the star formation in this galaxy. It shows pink areas on the galaxy’s spiral arms — star-forming regions.

In these regions, new stars are being born, and their light is interacting with the surrounding hydrogen gas. The blue regions also seen on the galaxy’s spiral arms are light from stars.

A characteristic feature of this galaxy, as seen in the image, is its asymmetrical shape and uneven distribution of gas and dust. The galaxy also has a galactic core, which is not properly centered. These three features are possibly the result of what ESA calls a “galactic tug of war.” The gravitational pull of other surrounding galaxies is thought to be influencing Messier 96’s distorted appearance.

The center of the galaxy shows a milky white glow. This glow is formed by the light of numerous stars combined. In the image, dark red dust threads trace around the spiral arms and block part of the central glow.

The image will help scientists understand star formation in giant dusty gas clouds. It will also help them explore how dust filters starlight and the interaction between these stars and their surrounding environment.

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Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 152 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024

I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.