ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Science Time Hubble Catches The Merging of 2 Galactic Realms #hubble #science #nasa
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured an amazing image of two galaxies merging together, known as the ARP 107 system. These galaxies are located a whopping 465 million light-years away from us! Imagine a bridge made of gas connecting these two galaxies as they slowly come together. It’s like a cosmic dance in space!
The larger of the two galaxies is a spiral galaxy. This means it has a shape similar to a pinwheel, with arms that spiral out from its center. One of these spiral arms is especially bright and wraps around the galaxy’s core. At the center, there’s something called an active galactic nucleus. This is a super bright area that can shine brighter than all the stars in the galaxy combined!
The smaller galaxy, which is being pulled in by the larger one, also has a bright core. As these galaxies merge, the smaller one is slowly being absorbed by the larger spiral galaxy. This process is helping to create new stars in the spiral arm of the bigger galaxy. It’s like the galaxies are sharing materials to build new stars!
This incredible scene is part of a collection called the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies. It shows us how galaxies can interact and change over time. Thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope, we can see these amazing events happening in the universe. Hubble’s ability to capture such detailed images helps scientists learn more about how galaxies form and evolve.
By studying these galactic mergers, scientists can better understand the life cycle of galaxies and the universe itself. It’s fascinating to think about how these massive structures in space come together and transform over millions of years!
Using materials like clay or playdough, create a 3D model of the ARP 107 system. Show the two merging galaxies and the gas bridge connecting them. This hands-on activity will help you visualize the cosmic dance described in the article.
Draw or paint your own version of a spiral galaxy. Focus on illustrating the bright spiral arms and the active galactic nucleus. This artistic activity will help you understand the structure and beauty of spiral galaxies.
Use an online simulation tool to explore how galaxies merge. Observe how the smaller galaxy is absorbed by the larger one and how new stars are formed. This interactive activity will deepen your understanding of galactic interactions.
Choose another galaxy from the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies and research its characteristics. Present your findings to the class, highlighting what makes it unique. This research activity will expand your knowledge of different galactic phenomena.
Create a timeline that shows the stages of a galactic merger, from initial interaction to the formation of new stars. Use information from the article and additional research to complete your timeline. This activity will help you understand the long-term processes involved in galactic evolution.
Hubble’s latest capture showcases a mesmerizing bridge of gas between two merging galaxies known as the ARP 107 system, situated 465 million light-years away. This duo displays an ethereal bond formed by a fine stretch of dust and gas. The dominant galaxy, a spiral type, features a radiant spiral arm encircling its core and an active galactic nucleus emitting an intense luminescence. Such nuclei can outshine all the stars in their galaxy. This galaxy’s brilliant arm is peppered with blossoming stars, nourished by material from its merging partner. This smaller companion, soon to be engulfed, displays a luminous core. This captivating scene, part of the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, is a testament to Hubble’s unmatched cosmic explorations.
Galaxy – A large system of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity. – The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our solar system.
Merge – To combine or come together to form a single entity. – When two galaxies merge, they can create a new, larger galaxy.
Stars – Massive, luminous spheres of plasma held together by gravity, often forming constellations. – Stars are born in nebulae, where gas and dust come together under gravity.
Spiral – A shape or pattern that winds around a center point, often describing the structure of certain galaxies. – Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is a spiral galaxy with arms that extend outward.
Telescope – An instrument that makes distant objects appear closer and larger, used for observing celestial bodies. – Astronomers use telescopes to study planets and stars far away in space.
Universe – The totality of all space, time, matter, and energy that exists. – The universe is constantly expanding, with galaxies moving away from each other.
Cosmic – Relating to the universe or cosmos, especially as distinct from Earth. – Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that travel through space and occasionally reach Earth.
Bright – Emitting or reflecting a lot of light; shining. – The bright star Sirius is one of the most luminous stars visible from Earth.
Center – The middle point or part of something, often where gravity is strongest in a galaxy. – The center of our galaxy contains a supermassive black hole.
Active – Engaged in action or activity, often describing galaxies with high energy processes. – An active galaxy emits large amounts of energy from its core, often due to a supermassive black hole.
