Ring galaxy
A ring galaxy is a kind of galaxy that has a ring shape. Hoag's Object and NGC 1291 are two examples.[1] The ring is made up of many massive, young blue stars, which are extremely bright. The middle of the galaxy contains far less luminous matter.
Some astronomers believe that ring galaxies are formed when a smaller galaxy passes through the center of a larger galaxy. Because galaxies are mostly made up of empty space, a collision rarely happens between stars. However, the gravitational disruptions could cause a wave of star formation to move through the larger galaxy. Other astronomers think that rings are formed around some galaxies when an accretion disc is formed. Star formation would then result from the shocks and compressions in the newly formed disc.
Ring Galaxy Media
- A Cosmic Hit and Run.jpg
Vela ring galaxy, and a bright star known as HD 88170.
- One ring to rule them all.jpg
Ring Galaxy - Zw II 28
- Ring galaxy AM 0644-741 (captured by the Hubble Space Telescope).jpg
Image of AM 0644-741 by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST)
The Cartwheel Galaxy is a ring galaxy located around 500 million light years away in the constellation of Sculptor. This image is a composite of images produced by the James Webb Space Telescope's NIRCam and MIRI detectors; these images were also released separately.
References
- ↑ "Hoag's Object: a strange ring galaxy". Astronomy Picture of the Day. NASA and Michigan Technological University. September 9, 2002. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
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