Featured in this new image from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope is the dwarf galaxy NGC 4449. This galaxy, also known as Caldwell 21, resides roughly 12.5 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. NGC 4449 has been forming stars for several billion years, but it is currently experiencing a period of star formation at a much higher rate than in the past. Such unusually explosive and intense star formation activity is called a starburst and for that reason NGC 4449 is known as a starburst galaxy. Starbursts usually occur in the central regions of galaxies, but NGC 4449 displays more widespread star formation activity, and the very youngest stars are observed both in the nucleus and in streams surrounding the galaxy. It’s likely that the current widespread starburst was triggered by interaction or merging with a smaller companion; indeed, astronomers think NGC 4449’s star formation has been influenced by interactions with several of its neighbors.
Related posts
-
Happy 35th birthday, Hubble Telescope! 10 times the iconic observatory blew astronomers’ minds (photos)
For 35 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has served as humanity’s tireless eye in the sky,... -
Aging gracefully: The Hubble Telescope is in ‘excellent technical condition’ on its 35th birthday, its chief scientist says
The Hubble Space Telescope is celebrating its 35th anniversary in space today, but even as a... -
Rocket Lab introduces line of customizable solar arrays for satellites
Rocket Lab is showing that’s about more than just rockets. The California-based company has introduced a...