Hubble Captures Breathtaking Image of Distant Spiral Galaxy UGC 11537
In a remarkable new image, the Hubble Space Telescope showcases the stunning beauty of the spiral galaxy UGC 11537, located 230 million light-years away in the Aquila constellation. This galaxy is approximately ten times further than the Andromeda galaxy (M31), which is barely visible to the naked eye from Earth. The European Space Agency (ESA) highlighted that UGC 11537 is situated near the plane of the Milky Way, where most of our galaxy's stars reside. Interestingly, two closer stars also appear in the image, demonstrating the intricate dance of celestial bodies.
Understanding the Image
The captivating image features diffraction spikes surrounding the stars. These spikes are imaging artifacts resulting from starlight interacting with the structure that supports Hubble's secondary mirror. This visual phenomenon adds a unique touch to the image, emphasizing the complexity of astronomical observations.
The image of UGC 11537 was captured during Hubble's search for supermassive black holes hidden within star structures. This stunning photograph was made possible thanks to Hubble's wide field camera 3, which has resumed full functionality after NASA resolved glitches that had caused all four of its scientific instruments to go offline.
Hubble's Resilience
Recently, Hubble experienced synchronization issues with its internal communication, leading to the temporary shutdown of its instruments. However, NASA's prompt actions ensured that the telescope was operational once again, allowing for the continuation of vital astronomical research.
Conclusion
As we marvel at this breathtaking image of UGC 11537, it's a reminder of the wonders of our universe and the ongoing journey of exploration. Stay tuned for more updates and discussions as we continue to delve into the fascinating world of space exploration and astronomy.
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