2023-07-20 12:59:22
NASA has shared an image of the irregular galaxy ARP 263. The main element of the photo is an ultra-bright star, which makes it even more spectacular.
What we know
Galaxy ARP 263, also known as NGC 3239, is a cluster of stars. There are pockets of star formation in some areas.
The image of the galaxy was taken by the Hubble telescope. Scientists believe that ARP 263 formed as a result of the collision of two galaxies. Astronomers will continue to observe the object, but with a more powerful space observatory, the James Webb.
The efficiency of the image gives the star BD + 17 2217. It fell into the lens of the telescope, being located much closer to Earth than the galaxy, which is distant from our planet by 25 million years -light.
Eight rays springing from the center of the star appeared thanks to the peculiarities of the optical system of the space telescope. It forms four diffraction spikes as light passes through. As Hubble photographed twice behind ARP 263, it is not four, but eight rays that we see. NASA scientists have also called BD+17 2217 a “stellar photobomb”.
Source : Science Daily : Science Daily
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