Hubble Space Telescope captures 'cosmic oddball' dwarf galaxy that underwent starburst

NASA’s Hubble Telescope has mand to take an updated photo of dwarf galaxy NGC 1705, which is located some 17 million light-years away from Earth in constellation Pictor. In new im, dwarf galaxy shines in a cloud of bright light and red colours. tiny, irregularly-shaped galaxy is what European ncy (ESA) has described as a “cosmic oddball”. 

ESA informed that NGC 1705 went through a “starburst” phase recently, meaning it was experiencing a usually high rate of star formation. In im, dwarf galaxy is surrounded by red cosmic “clouds” is highlighted by bright starlight. European ncy believes that NGC 1705 and or dwarf galaxies like it can w provide valuable insights into overall evolution of galaxies. 

“ data shown in this im come from a series of observations designed to unveil interplay between stars, star clusters, and ionised gas in nearby star-forming galaxies,” ESA said. 

New observations can provide complete look at galaxy 

Furr, ncy explained that irregular dwarf galaxies like NGC 1705 have fewer elements than larger galaxies and consist mostly of hydrogen and helium. Due to this, y are thought to be similar to universe’s earliest galaxies. 

Meanwhile, it is to mention that Hubble is one of most advanced telescopes at scientists’ disposal. tably, Hubble took picture of NGC 1705 was in 1999 when astromers used telescope's camera (at time, Wide Field Planetary Camera 2) to observe galaxy's centre. w, scientists believe that new observations, which use much newer techlogy on Hubble, can provide more detail and a more complete look at galaxy.  

In December 2021, NASA, ESA, and Canadian ncy (CSA) also jointly launched James Webb Telescope, which possesses improved infrared resolution and advanced sensitivity compared to Hubble, which it is eventually expected to replace.

(Im: @esa/Twitter)