The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Hubble Space Telescope has shared a stunning image of the spiral galaxy NGC 4689, named after Egyptian Queen Berenice II. The Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990 and has since transformed the fundamental understanding of the universe, from determining the atmospheric composition of planets around other stars to discovering dark energy.
Coming back to the stunning image shared by NASA Hubble, it states that the galaxy is located in the constellation Coma Berenices. Speaking on the name of the constellation, NASA explains the story, saying that, “The queen’s court astronomer thought that a lost lock of Berenice’s hair was placed among the stars by the gods: hence the constellation was named Coma Berenices.”
Describing it as a gem-like dazzling spiral galaxy, the US space agency said NGC 4689 is located 54 million light-years from Earth.
Speaking about NGC 4689, NASA said, “It has a bright, glowing spot at its center, wide spiral arms that hold many dark threads of dust, and pinkish glowing spots on the disk that mark regions of star formation. Surrounding the galaxy’s disk is a faint halo that stretches out into the dark background.”
View full image
Internet users couldn’t stop themselves from commenting on the fascinating image of a spiral galaxy posted by NASA Hubble.
“A breathtaking glimpse of the universe, NGC 4689 exemplifies the celestial beauty and mystery that Hubble has uncovered,” one user wrote.
“God’s creation”
Some other users commented, “This is some royal beauty! I love to see how such majestic wonders are hidden in the universe”
Another added, “Fireworks or starburst zones add a wild atmosphere to the scene.”
“If there is such a thing as a favorite constellation, it’s Coma Berenices!” some others commented.
“Amazing photo of distant bright galaxy taken by Hubble highlights the wonders of the universe,” one user said.
Meanwhile, NASA announced in a press release on May 26 that the first of two climate satellites designed to study heat emissions at Earth’s poles was launched. The agency’s PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment) mission consists of two shoebox-sized cube satellites, or CubeSats, that will measure the amount of heat emitted by Earth into space from two of the coldest, most remote regions of the planet. Data from this PREFIRE mission will help researchers more accurately forecast changes in Earth’s ice, oceans and weather in a warming climate.
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Published: May 28, 2024, 09:28 AM IST
