Image of the Day: Spiral Galaxy Observed Inside Gigantic Cosmic Bubbles
Spiral galaxy NGC 3521 is olny 35 million light-years from Earth, toward the constellation Leo. Spanning some 50,000 light-years, the galaxy sports characteristic patchy, irregular spiral arms laced with dust, pink star forming regions, and clusters of young, blue stars. This deep image shows NGC 3521 embedded in gigantic bubble-like shells. The shells are likely tidal debris, streams of stars torn from satellite galaxies that have undergone mergers with NGC 3521 in the distant past.
Image Credits: R Jay Gabany (Blackbird Obs.), Collaboration: David Martinez-Delgado (MPIA, IAC), et al.
Comments
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What an amazing picture. Jay you never cease to amaze me. I was sitting watching TV on a hot early summer evening here in New South Wales and I suddenly wondered what Jay GaBany is doing now. I walked to my desktop and clicked on one of my favourite sites, The Daily Galaxy and here was Jay doing his magic 50,000 light years out in space. Fearless Felix eat your heart out. Is that deja vu or what?
Anyway all the best Jay and David and thankyou for the interesting article and pictures. Col Maybury Au.
Posted by: Col Maybury | October 16, 2012 at 02:33 AM
Sorry, I meant 35 million light years out in space. It is fortunate I am not in charge of directing your coordinates. Col.
Posted by: Col Maybury | October 16, 2012 at 02:36 AM
I propose that the gas shell surround is the end product of an aging galaxy. The result of horizontal gas jetting from the galaxy center through the equator region to the rim hence the bright young stars on the rim.
Posted by: katesisco | October 16, 2012 at 12:14 PM
I'm sorry, I mean in the space 35 million light-years away. Luckily I don't take charge your coordinates. West.
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