An outstanding image of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 2217 has been captured in the constellation of Canis Major (The Greater Dog) by the renowned NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Located about 65 million light-years away from our planet, NGC 2217, also known as AM 0619-271, spans a similar diameter as our Milky Way at an impressive 100,000 light-years in width. The galaxy’s most striking feature is its radiant central bar, which is encircled by a series of tightly wound spiral arms, rich with stars.
This central structure is not just for show; it significantly influences the galaxy’s evolutionary trajectory by channeling gas from the outer disk to the inner regions. This inflow of gas can lead to the birth of new stars or help feed the supermassive black hole that resides at NGC 2217’s heart. Given that supermassive black holes can have masses that range from hundreds to billions of times that of our Sun, they are considered common fixtures in most large galaxies.
The vivid colors presented in this image of the galaxy were obtained with the help of data from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS).
Text credit: European Space Agency (ESA)
Media Contact:
Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov
FAQ
Q: What is NGC 2217?
A: NGC 2217 is a barred spiral galaxy located in Canis Major, about 65 million light-years away from Earth.
Q: How big is NGC 2217 compared to the Milky Way?
A: NGC 2217 has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years, making it approximately the same size as the Milky Way.
Q: What role does the central bar of NGC 2217 play?
A: The central bar of NGC 2217 aids in directing gas from the outer regions to the galaxy’s center, which can lead to the creation of new stars or the growth of the supermassive black hole there.
Q: Are supermassive black holes common in galaxies like NGC 2217?
A: Yes, supermassive black holes, which can be hundreds to billions of times more massive than the Sun, are typically found in the centers of most large galaxies.
Q: How was the image colorized?
A: Data from the Pan-STARRS project was utilized to add the vibrant colors seen in the image of NGC 2217.
Q: Who can be contacted for more information about the Hubble Space Telescope images?
A: Claire Andreoli at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD (claire.andreoli@nasa.gov) can be contacted for media inquiries.
Conclusion
The Hubble Space Telescope has once again provided the astronomy community and the public with an exquisite view of the cosmos, this time showcasing the barred spiral galaxy NGC 2217. Its resplendent central bar and the spiral arms highlighted in this image are more than just a cosmic spectacle; they are intrinsic components in the life cycle of the galaxy. Images such as these not only contribute to our understanding of galactic structures but also to the wonderment that the universe continues to inspire.