Hubble Captures Stunning Spiral Galaxy in Detail

Rapid Summary

• The barred spiral galaxy NGC 3285B is located approximately 137 million light-years away in the constellation of Hydra.
• Known by other names, including LEDA 31293 and ESO 501-18, the galaxy has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years.
• Key features: large golden core surrounded by paler reddish spiral arms; member of the NGC 3312 group and the Hydra I galaxy cluster.
• Hydra I is one of the largest nearby Universe clusters and includes massive elliptical galaxies at its center, each about 150% larger than our Milky Way.
• NGC 3285B is situated on the outer edges of this cluster (Hydra I).
• In 2023, a Type Ia supernova named SN 2023xqm occurred in this galaxy and appears as a blue-ish dot on Hubble images.
• Type Ia supernovae are caused when white dwarf stars ignite nuclear fusion bursts briefly shining billions of times brighter than our Sun.
• Hubble targeted NGC 3285B as part of an observation program studying around 100 Type Ia supernovae to refine cosmic distance measurements.

!Image Credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / R.J. Foley,UC Santa Cruz

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The detailed observations carried out by NASA/ESA’s Hubble Space Telescope on NGC 3285B offer valuable insights into phenomena such as galaxy clusters and Type Ia supernovae. Specifically relevant for India’s burgeoning space ambitions through organizations like ISRO is how astrophysical research deepens understanding about cosmic distances-a critical element for exploring far-off regions beyond our solar system with precision.

As India continues efforts to develop its space program through missions like Aditya-L1 or future astronomical observatories akin to Astrosat, participating in global collaborations or interpreting data from studies like these may enhance scientific capabilities locally. This knowledge can elevate India’s contributions to international astronomy research while inspiring initiatives focused on uncovering larger universal truths-an essential step toward advancing science and technology globally but with Indian ingenuity rooted at its core.