Hubble Spots Galaxy Resembling Atomic Nucleus

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has spotted the image of a galaxy that resembles an atomic nucleus, according to a news release. The spiral galaxy was identified as NGC 7252, which has an external resemblance to an atomic nucleus that is engulfed by loops of orbiting electrons.

NGC 7252 is also referred to as the "Atoms for Peace" galaxy (which is its nickname), even though this galaxy's past has been nothing but turbulent. NGC 7252's strange appearance is due to a collision between two galaxies that took place billions of years ago, which ripped both of the galaxies apart. NGC 7252 is about 300 million light-years away and it is found in the constellation Aquarius. The heart of NGC 7252 is home to over 500 star clusters.

NGC 7252's loop-like outer structures is most likely composed of dust and stars, which were pitched outwards by the collision. However, its orbiting electrons in an atom are equally responsible for the galaxy's nickname.

The inner parts of the galaxy were captured in the Hubble image, where it depicted a pinwheel-shaped disk that was rotating in a direction opposite to the rest of the galaxy. The disk appeared much like a spiral galaxy, like the Milky Way, and it is only 10,000 light-years across, which is a tenth of the size of the Milky Way. Its whirling structure is most likely a remaining residue from the galactic collision that took place billions of years ago.

NGC 7252 will likely disappear in a few billion years, as it would complete it its merging process by then.

Related Articles

Japan Asteroid Probe Hayabusa 2 Enters Target Orbit

Japan's Akatsuki Probe Enters Venus' Orbit

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).