NASA explains how spiral galaxies get their shape
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The post is based on research from NASA s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy.
(Web Desk) - NASA has shared a stunning photograph on Instagram of a galaxy called M77, and has offered a brief explanation of how it has been “shaped.” For a long time, the shapes of many galaxies, including our own Milky Way, have puzzled many scientists.
The Milky Way is spiral-shaped and has arms full of stars. However, have you ever wondered how it got its shape? Well, this is the question that had baffled scientists for a long time. In its new post, the space agency has explained how magnetic fields played a huge role in shaping the various galaxies.
Completely Invisible, Yet Unbelievably Influential : NASA Explains How Spiral Galaxies Get Their Shape
In a post on Instagram, NASA said spiral galaxies are shaped by magnetic fields that are invisible to the human eye. By Edited by Gadgets 360 Newsdesk | Updated: 23 July 2021 11:11 IST
Photo Credit: NASA/SOFIA; NASA/JPL-Caltech/Roma Tre Univ.
Magnetic fields seen in this composite image of the M77 galaxy
Highlights
Composite readings and images were used to get a clear understanding
NASA share a photo of the M77 galaxy on Instagram
NASA has shared a stunning photograph on Instagram of a galaxy called M77, and has offered a brief explanation of how it has been “shaped.” For a long time, the shapes of many galaxies, including our own Milky Way, have puzzled many scientists. The Milky Way is spiral-shaped and has arms full of stars. However, have you ever wondered how it got its shape? Well, this is the question that had baffled scientists
Story highlights
The mesmerising image depicts magnetic fields in galaxy NGC 1068 or M77, streamlining over visible light and X-ray composite image of the galaxy from the Hubble Space Telescope
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday captured the magnetic fingerprint of a galaxy across 24,000 light-years.
The mesmerising image depicts magnetic fields in galaxy NGC 1068 or M77, streamlining over visible light and X-ray composite image of the galaxy from the Hubble Space Telescope, NuSTAR or the Nuclear Spectroscopic Array, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.
NGC 1068 appears to have a complex inner structure. This galaxy is basically analogous to NGC 4736 (M94) showing a strikingly similar overall morphology. The extended outer disk shows signs of interaction and misalignment, probably a result of a recent bombardment.