Hubble Observes an Alleged Galaxy Encounter

UGC 3912, despite being classified as a spiral galaxy, appears quite different in this detailed image captured by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The distorted shape of UGC 3912 suggests that it has undergone a gravitational encounter with another galaxy. When galaxies interact, whether through gravitational fields brushing against each other or actual collisions, their stars, dust, and gas can be pulled into new trajectories. UGC 3912 may have once possessed a more organized spiral structure, but it now appears as if it has been smudged and altered by a colossal force.

Fortunately, during these galactic interactions, the individual stars and objects that orbit them remain intact, even though their orbits can be dramatically altered, ultimately changing the shape of the entire galaxy. This is due to the vast distances between stars within galaxies, preventing them from colliding and allowing them to continue peacefully along their new paths.

Astronomers are currently studying UGC 3912 as part of their investigation into supernovae activity. Supernovae occur when stars, at least eight times larger than our sun, explode at the end of their lives. Hubble is specifically examining one type of supernova known as Type II, which is rich in hydrogen. Although numerous Type II supernovae have been observed, they display significant variations in brightness and spectroscopy, making them a subject of limited understanding.

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