Positioned within the Ursa Major constellation, the grand spiral galaxy NGC 3982 captivates observers with its dynamic process of star formation and pronounced spiral structures. Attribution for this visualization goes to:
NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
Renowned for its dynamic star-creating regions and its densely packed central star cluster, NGC 3982 presents itself as a face-on spiral galaxy. It is roughly a third of the size of our Milky Way and has been documented in fine detail by the Hubble Space Telescope in both visible and near-infrared spectrums.
In the vastness of space, spiraled galaxies are common, yet each exhibits its own unique characteristics. NGC 3982 stands out with its prolific regions of stellar genesis and curving spirals. These spirals are adorned with pink areas where stars are forming, clusters of young blue stars, and dark lanes of dust—ingredients for future stellar generations. Its luminous core hosts a cluster of more mature stars that becomes denser approaching the center.
The galaxy is situated some 68 million light-years from Earth in the constellation of Ursa Major, spanning about 30,000 light-years across, making it approximately one-third the expanse of the Milky Way. The composite image has been assembled from data captured by the Hubble Space Telescope’s instruments including the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, the Advanced Camera for Surveys, and the Wide Field Camera 3, over observations made from March 2000 to August 2009. The image’s vivid color palette is derived from its capture in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths, and a specialized filter was employed to highlight the hydrogen emissions arising from the vibrant star-forming regions scattered along its spiral arms.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NGC 3982 Galaxy
What is NGC 3982?
NGC 3982 is a face-on spiral galaxy notable for its star-forming regions and central concentration of stars, located in the constellation Ursa Major, and imaged in detail by the Hubble Space Telescope.
How does NGC 3982 compare in size to the Milky Way?
NGC 3982 is approximately one-third the size of the Milky Way, spanning about 30,000 light-years across.
Where is NGC 3982 located?
NGC 3982 is located around 68 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Ursa Major.
In what way is NGC 3982 unique among spiral galaxies?
NGC 3982 is distinguished by its vibrant star-forming regions, adorned with pink and blue hues, and a bright nucleus dense with older stars, which is meticulously documented through the Hubble Space Telescope’s imaging.
When were the images of NGC 3982 taken by the Hubble Space Telescope?
The images of NGC 3982 were taken over a period spanning from March 2000 to August 2009.
More about NGC 3982 Galaxy
- Hubble Heritage Project
- NASA’s Galaxy Gallery
- ESA Science & Technology: NGC 3982
- STScI’s News Center
- Hubble’s Wide Field Planetary Camera 2
- Advanced Camera for Surveys
- Wide Field Camera 3
4 comments
theres something so incredible about space and these images from hubble never fail to amaze me NGC 3982 is just another reminder of how small we are in this universe.
i read that each galaxy is unique and seeing NGC 3982 just proves it, those pink and blue hues are something else.
had no idea galaxies could be so diffrent from each other NGC 3982 looks absolutely stuning with those star forming regions.
Wow just saw the pic of NGC 3982 it’s crazy beautiful, how even after so many years Hubble still sends us these amazing pictures.