Lenticular Galaxy NGC 1222
NGC 1222, seen in this image taken with the Wide Field Camera 3 on board the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, is a peculiar example of a type of galaxy known as a lenticular galaxy. Typically, this kind of galaxy would present a rather smooth appearance on the sky and would consist mostly of old, reddish stars. But observations of NGC 1222 show the characteristic features of very recent star formation on a huge scale - an event known as a starburst. This violent activity is caused by the three compact regions contained in NGC 1222, each of which appears to be the central nucleus of a galaxy. Astronomers think that NGC 1222 is in the process of swallowing up two much smaller dwarf galaxies that strayed too close to it. It is likely that the encounter was the trigger for the starburst in NGC 1222, bringing in fresh supplies of gas that are now fuelling the burst of star formation. This image allows us to see an astonishing amount of structure in the galaxy. Against the smooth background of old stars that was the original lenticular galaxy, dark filaments of dust and bright filaments of gas, both associated with the powerful star formation process, are visible.
Size: 3348px × 2700px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 1222, astronomical, astronomy, body, celestial, deep, dust, dwarf, elliptical, exploration, filament, formation, forming, galaxies, galaxy, gas, heavenly, hubble, interstellar, lenticular, nebula, nebulae, ngc, object, radiation, science, sky, space, spiral, star, starburst, stellar, telescope, universe, wind
