A new image from the Hubble Space Telescope reveals the stunning structure of galaxy NGC 1637, which showcases ongoing star formation and the effects of supernovae like SN 1999EM. Located 38 million light-years away in the constellation Eridanus, this spiral galaxy is part of a research program studying star formation in nearby galaxies.
When stars are born in cold gas clouds, they grow by emitting light and producing stellar winds. As these young stars evolve, they shape their surroundings, influencing how quickly new generations can form. In NGC 1637, evidence of recent star birth is scattered throughout the galaxy’s spiral arms, with many stars accompanied by pinkish “clouds” that hint at hydrogen atoms excited by ultraviolet light.
The center of the galaxy glows warmly in yellow due to a densely packed collection of older, redder stars. These short-lived stars are often supernovae-prone and can explode just a few million years after birth, temporarily outshining their entire home galaxy. However, supernovae also play a crucial role in jumpstarting new star formation by compressing nearby gas clouds, starting the stellar lifecycle anew.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/hubble-unveils-a-cosmic-playground-of-starbirth-and-supernovae