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The attached article explains the proposed origin of this nifty ring galaxy.
In summary, the article discusses the proposed origin of the ring galaxy known as the Cartwheel Galaxy. The theory suggests that shock waves from a nearby galaxy may have triggered a wave of star formation, resulting in the bright blue ring of newly formed stars. However, some questions remain about the role of the smaller "nucleus" galaxy and the accuracy of the reporting. Further information can be found in a NASA discussion of a similar ring galaxy, Hoag's Object.
The attached article explains the proposed origin of this nifty ring galaxy.
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Bystander
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" shock waves " How?
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I do know there are stars that have recently gone nova, and have a ring of high energy particles expanding out into space surrounding them. Possibly this is what is meant. What I do not get is why the small "nucleus" galaxy looks, well, undisturbed, especially if it were the object that created "shock waves" and blown a galaxy apart...
None of this rules out bad journalism in the phys.org article. I will try to find the original from NASA.
Shock waves is a circular link, BTW.
None of this rules out bad journalism in the phys.org article. I will try to find the original from NASA.
Shock waves is a circular link, BTW.
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"Bad journalism?"jim mcnamara said:
Nah, couldn't be.- #5
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This is a NASA discussion of Hoag's Object - a ring galaxy like the cartwheel galaxy pictured above.
https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1747.html
https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1747.html
- #6
phyzguy
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I think the model is that a shock wave is propagating out from the center of the galaxy. As the shock wave travels through the gas surrounding the galaxy, it compresses the gas and triggers a wave of star formation. The bright blue ring you are seeing is from newly formed hot blue stars at the peak of the wave of star formation. Since these hot blue stars are very short-lived, you only see them where the star formation is currently occurring.
Related to Wonder-inducing ring galaxy image
1. What is a ring galaxy?
A ring galaxy is a type of galaxy that has a distinctive ring-like structure around its center. This ring is made up of stars, gas, and dust, and is typically much younger and more active than the rest of the galaxy.
2. How are ring galaxies formed?
Ring galaxies are formed when a smaller galaxy passes through the center of a larger galaxy. The gravitational forces from this interaction cause the gas and dust in the larger galaxy to compress and form new stars, creating the ring structure.
3. What makes the "wonder-inducing" ring galaxy image so special?
The "wonder-inducing" aspect of this ring galaxy image is likely due to its stunning beauty and intricate structure. The intricate patterns of stars and dust within the ring, as well as the bright blue regions of star formation, make it a truly unique and captivating image.
4. How far away is the ring galaxy in the image?
The distance of the ring galaxy in the image is not specified, but most ring galaxies are located in the outskirts of galaxy clusters, which can be millions of light years away from Earth.
5. Can we see ring galaxies with the naked eye?
No, ring galaxies are typically only visible through telescopes due to their distance from Earth and relatively small size. However, some larger and closer ring galaxies may be visible with binoculars or a small telescope.
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