NASA’s hubble telescope captures stunning image of spiral galaxy NGC 4414
NASA's hubble telescope captures stunning image of spiral galaxy NGC 4414
The Hubble Space Telescope’s image of the spiral galaxy NGC 4414 showcases its brilliant yellow core and sprawling spiral arms.
NASA has released a breathtaking image of the dusty spiral galaxy NGC 4414, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. The image, originally taken in 1995 as part of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Key Project on the Extragalactic Distance Scale, has contributed significantly to our understanding of the universe.
“Based on careful brightness measurements of variable stars in NGC 4414, astronomers determined the galaxy is 60 million light-years away,” stated NASA. This measurement has been crucial in helping scientists learn more about the universe’s expansion rate, the distances and sizes of many cosmic objects, and even the age of the universe itself.
NGC 4414 helped light the way! 💡
— Hubble (@NASAHubble) June 11, 2024
Astronomers studied the galaxy in this #HubbleClassic image 13 times in two months, in order to best calculate its distance from Earth – 60 million light-years.
This data uncovered more about our universe's expansion: https://t.co/pGm3hNSUJo pic.twitter.com/gRudGZbkGq
The image of NGC 4414 reveals a galaxy rich in distinct stellar compositions. The central regions of the galaxy are filled with yellow and red stars, which are typically older. In contrast, the outer regions exhibit a blue hue, indicating the presence of younger, hotter stars and ongoing star formation.
The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. From determining the atmospheric composition of planets around other stars to discovering dark energy, its contributions have been invaluable.
NASA’s Hubble team revisited NGC 4414 in 1999 to capture the galaxy in its entirety, using the same filters as in the 1995 observations. This completed the stunning portrait, showing the galaxy’s luminous yellow core and sprawling spiral arms with dark brown dust and clusters of stars.
The Hubble Space Telescope continues to provide awe-inspiring images and valuable data, deepening our understanding of the vast universe.
