Hubble space Telescope images reveal new findings
October 1st, 2009 - 3:45 am ICT by Aishwarya Bhatt
Washington, Sep 30 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Hubble space Telescope has taken pictures of the galaxies, which are losing their gases. Also strong winds tear apart the galaxies and in turn distort their shape and even affect the star formations in them.
Astronauts said that ‘the galaxies, members of the Virgo Cluster, are being affected by a process called “ram pressure stripping.” As galaxies in the cluster move through hot gas lurking in the gaps between them, winds caused by their swift motion tug and stretch them, resulting in peculiar-looking galaxies.’
One of the galaxies known as NGC 4522, is traveling at 6.2 million miles per hour, astronomers estimate. It’s about 60 million light-years away in the Virgo cluster. It’s bright blue areas to the right and left are star-forming regions. It is one of the prime examples of a spiral galaxy, which is losing its gas content.
The astronauts analyzed the data sent by the Hubble space Telescope images and said that ‘The galaxy’s rapid motion within the Virgo Cluster results in strong winds across the galaxy as the gas within is left behind. Scientists estimate that the galaxy is moving at more than 6 million mph (10 million kilometers per hour). A number of newly formed star clusters that developed in the stripped gas can be seen in the Hubble image.’
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