Time: 2024-07-06
The NASA / ESA Hubble Space Telescope has recently captured an incredible image of the spiral galaxy NGC 4951 , which is located about 49 million light - years away in the Virgo constellation . This galaxy , also known as AGC 530015 , IRAS 13025 - 0613 , or LEDA 45246 , has a diameter of approximately 65,000 light - years . Discovered by the astronomer William Herschel on April 17 , 1784 , NGC 4951 has been the subject of a recent study on the movement of matter and energy in nearby galaxies.
The new image of NGC 4951 was created using observations from Hubble 's Wide Field Camera 3 in the ultraviolet , infrared , and optical parts of the spectrum . Data from six filters were used to generate the image , with different hues assigned to each monochromatic image associated with a filter . The image showcases the energy dynamics and star formation processes in Seyfert galaxies , like NGC 4951 , which have very bright and energetic nuclei known as active galactic nuclei.
The researchers involved in the study noted that NGC 4951 serves as an excellent example of the energetic processes taking place in galaxies . By studying galaxies like NGC 4951 , scientists can gain valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive star formation and energy dynamics in the universe . The Hubble Space Telescope continues to provide stunning images and valuable data that contribute to our understanding of the cosmos and the processes that shape galaxies like NGC 4951.