Hubble: Zoom Into Galaxy NGC 2841 [1080p]

The galaxy NGC 2841 - shown here in this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image, taken with the space observatory's newest instrument, the Wide Field Camera 3 - currently has a relatively low star formation rate compared to other spirals. It is one of several nearby galaxies that have been specifically chosen for a new study in which a pick 'n' mix of different stellar nursery environments and birth rates are being observed.

Star formation is one of the most important processes in shaping the Universe; it plays a pivotal role in the evolution of galaxies and it is also in the earliest stages of star formation that planetary systems first appear.

Yet there is still much that astronomers don't understand, such as how do the properties of stellar nurseries vary according to the composition and density of gas present, and what triggers star formation in the first place? The driving force behind star formation is particularly unclear for a type of galaxy called a flocculent spiral, such as NGC 2841 shown here, which features short spiral arms rather than prominent and well-defined galactic limbs.

credit: NASA, ESA and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration Acknowledgment: M. Crockett and S. Kaviraj (Oxford University, UK), R. O'Connell (University of Virginia), B. Whitmore (STScI) and the WFC3 Scientific Oversight Committee.

source: http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/heic1104a/

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• NGC 2841
• spiral galaxy
• Hubble Space Telescope
• star formation

[Starboyz55]

The mere specter of space and time in these objects truly reveals the wonders of the universe. I think God is pleased that we are examining His creation. If one can look at these and other incredible images of space-time and not at least think that a Creator has put out His hand and brought all of our wonder into being is very shortsighted.

[longded]

F.A.Q.! channel rocks man! ;]