Unbarred Spiral Galaxy, NGC 2841
X-ray/optical composite image of the large spiral galaxy NGC 2841 shows multimillion degree gas (blue/X-ray) rising above the disk of stars and cooler gas (gray/optical). The rapid outflows of gas from giant stars, and supernova explosions in the disk of a galaxy create huge shells or bubbles of hot gas that expand rapidly and rise above the disk like plumes of smoke from a chimney. Chandra's image of NGC 2841 provides direct evidence for this process, which pumps energy into the thin gaseous halo that surrounds the galaxy. Galactic chimneys also spread hot, metal enriched gas away from the disk of the galaxy into the halo. NGC 2841 is an inclined unbarred spiral galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major. Structurally, NGC 2841 is a giant spiral galaxy with properties similar to those of the Andromeda Galaxy. It is a prototypical flocculent spiral galaxy, a type of spiral galaxy whose arms are patchy and discontinuous. NGC 2841 is also noted for its large population of young blue stars, and few H II regions. Observation date December 18, 2004.
Size: 3120px × 4350px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 2, 2000s, 2004, 21st, 2841, astronomical, astronomy, astrophysical, astrophysics, body, celestial, century, deep, flocculent, galaxies, galaxy, heavenly, ii, ngc, ngc2841, object, region, science, sky, space, spiral, unbarred
