Advertisement
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Located in the constellation Leo, spiral galaxy NGC 3370 has long been a favorite among astronomers. NGC 3370 is part of a small galaxy group that also other galaxies studied by the Hubble Space Telescope. Studying these galaxies together helps astronomers understand how galaxies interact, evolve and influence one another over cosmic timescales.
What is it?
Spiral galaxies are among the most striking and familiar structures in the universe. Characterized by graceful, winding arms that spiral out from a bright central bulge, these systems are rich with both young and old stars, swirling gas and cosmic dust.
The Milky Way, our own galactic home, is one such spiral, and studying other examples like NGC 3370 provides astronomers with clues about how galaxies form and evolve.
Where is it?
Spiral galaxy NGC 3370 is located 90 million light years away in the Leo constellation.
Why is it amazing?
NGC 3370 is home to two types of celestial landmarks that have helped astronomers chart cosmic distances with precision: Cepheid variable stars and Type la supernovas. Cepheids are pulsating stars whose brightness rises and falls in predictable cycles, the longer the period of pulsation, the more luminous they are. Meanwhile, Type la supernovas occur when a white dwarf star undergoes a thermonuclear explosion, reaching nearly the same peak brightness each time.
By comparing how bright these objects appear from Earth with how bright they actually are, astronomers can calculate their distances, and in turn, measure how quickly the universe is expanding. Together, these "standard candles" form the backbone of the cosmic distance ladder, a framework that has shaped our modern understanding of cosmic scale and motion.
Want to learn more?
You can learn more about the Hubble Space Telescope and galaxy formation.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Scientists train to dive beneath polar ice as climate change warms the Arctic and Antarctica - 2Vote In favor of Your Favored IT Administration
- 3Avoid This Common Mistake When Planning Sightseeing Activities For Your Trip To Italy
- 4Step by step instructions to Protect Your Retirement with Senior Protection.
- 5Syrian army says recent drone attacks targeted its bases near Iraq, most shot down
- Gulf countries continue to face Iran attacks as criticial energy infrastructure at risk
- Guinea-Bissau's coup called a 'sham' by West African political figures
- Instructions to Figure out the Various Phases of Cellular breakdown in the lungs
- 6 Top of the line Lodgings All over The Planet, Which One Do You Concur With
- The Benefits of Effective money management for Your Youngsters' Future Monetary Prosperity
- The 25 Most Notable Style Crossroads in History
- the Wild in Style: The Reduced Portage Mustang's Bold Heritage
- Gaza amputees struggle to rebuild lives as the enclave faces shortages of prosthetic limbs
- Chicago reports first rabies-positive dog in 61 years. What we know.
