Astronomers have discovered a unique and massive galaxy using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, which features six more rings than other previously known galaxies. The newly found galaxy, nicknamed “Bull’s-eye,” has an impressive nine rings, an arrow-like feature straight through its center, and is almost twice as large as the Milky Way.
According to NASA, the discovery was also significant for confirming a theory on galaxy ring formation over time. Yale professor Pieter G. van Dokkum stated that the observed movement of the rings supports a long-standing prediction. The galaxy’s arrow-like feature was formed when a blue dwarf galaxy collided with Bull’s-eye about 50 million years ago, creating more rings in its wake.
Hubble captured an image of the galaxy at just the right time, providing crucial data for improving models of how galaxies evolve over billions of years. The discovery highlights the importance of space exploration and the continued advancements made possible by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/hubble-space-telescope-helps-astronomers-010434551.html