Hubble Space Telescope continues to uncover the mysteries of the universe. In its latest images, Hubble has captured two small dwarf galaxies: IC 3430 and NGC 5238. These galaxies are helping astronomers deepen their understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.
IC 3430, located about 45 million light-years away, is classified as a dwarf galaxy due to its small size and is also an elliptical galaxy because of its shape. Elliptical galaxies typically have a smooth and featureless appearance, but IC 3430 is an exception with its hot blue stars at the center, which is rare for this type of galaxy.
Another image from Hubble shows NGC 5238, a dwarf galaxy much closer at 14.5 million light-years away. NGC 5238 has a more complex structure, featuring globular clustersโbright regions of tightly packed stars. Astronomers suggest that this structure is the result of a past galaxy merger, which caused the gas within the galaxy to shift, leading to the formation of star pockets.
Studies of these small galaxies are crucial for advancing theories on galaxy formation and evolution. According to Hubble scientists, one theory proposes that galaxies form in a “bottom-up” hierarchical manner, where star clusters and small galaxies formed from gas and dark matter are pulled together by gravity into the large structures we see in the universe today.
By examining galaxies like IC 3430 and NGC 5238, the Hubble Space Telescope significantly contributes to our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution. These observations help to better explain the dynamics of galaxy mergers and their role in shaping the universe. Hubble continues to illuminate the cosmos with its deep space discoveries.
