Astronomers using the Hubble telescope have released a stunning image of the isolated galaxy NGC 1637, located 38 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Eridanus. Despite its distance and lack of close neighbors, NGC 1637 is an intriguing subject for astronomers due to ongoing star formation efforts.
The galaxy’s spiral arms are rich in pink cloud formations and bright blue stars, indicating recent star birth and activity. These clouds are thought to have formed when cold, dusty gas collapsed under gravity, releasing powerful radiation that heated them up. The distinctive pink coloration is a result of excited hydrogen atoms triggered by ultraviolet radiation from young massive stars.
In contrast, the galaxy’s central region features warmer yellow hues, where older and redder luminaries dominate. These stars are shorter-lived and have exhausted their fuel, marking the end of their lives.
A recent supernova event in NGC 1637, observed in 1999, serves as a reminder that massive star collapses can trigger new star formation. This explosion briefly eclipsed the galaxy, compressing nearby gas clouds and restarting the stellar life cycle. The ongoing study of NGC 1637 provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between star formation, supernovae, and the evolution of galaxies.
Source: https://universemagazine.com/en/hubble-photographs-an-isolated-galaxy-in-the-constellation-eridanus