In the Pegasus constellation, located approximately 44 million light-years away from Earth, the Hubble Space Telescope has captured an image of the irregular and faint galaxy NGC 7292. This galaxy is renowned for its elongated core and is classified as a low surface brightness galaxy. The focus of the study lies in exploring the aftermath of its supernova event, designated as SN 1964H, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of Type II supernovae and identifying any surviving stellar companions.
In this image from the Hubble Space Telescope, the galaxy NGC 7292 sprawls across the scene, accompanied by several bright stars and the faint smudges of distant galaxies in the background. Residing in the constellation Pegasus, this galaxy exhibits a slightly disheveled appearance. Unlike spiral galaxies such as the Whirlpool Galaxy or smooth elliptical galaxies like Messier 59, NGC 7292 lacks well-defined spiral arms or a smooth elliptical shape. However, it does possess a unique feature—a stretched-out core in the form of a distinct bar, commonly observed in many spiral galaxies. In addition to its hazy structure, NGC 7292 is exceptionally faint, making it difficult to distinguish against the backdrop of the night sky. Astronomers classify such galaxies as low surface brightness galaxies, typically dominated by gas and dark matter rather than stars.
The image of the grand spiral galaxy M51 (NGC 5194) showcases its elegant, winding arms resembling a majestic spiral staircase winding through space. In reality, these arms consist of long lanes of stars, gas, and dust.
As part of an observational campaign investigating the aftermath of Type II supernovae, astronomers specifically directed the Hubble telescope to examine NGC 7292. These cataclysmic explosions occur when a massive star undergoes a collapse, followed by a violent rebound that tears the star apart in a catastrophic explosion. By studying the aftermath and the surviving nearby stars of a large sample of historical Type II supernovae, astronomers aim to gain insights into the diversity of such events.
The supernova event in NGC 7292 occurred in 1964 and was designated as SN 1964H. Analyzing the stellar environment surrounding SN 1964H allows astronomers to estimate the initial mass of the star that underwent the supernova and potentially uncover any surviving stellar companions that were once part of the same system as the star that became SN 1964H.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about supernova aftermath
What is NGC 7292?
NGC 7292 is an irregular and faint galaxy located in the Pegasus constellation, approximately 44 million light-years away from Earth. It is known for its stretched-out core and is classified as a low surface brightness galaxy.
What is the significance of SN 1964H in NGC 7292?
SN 1964H is a supernova event that occurred in NGC 7292 in the year 1964. Studying the aftermath of this supernova allows astronomers to estimate the initial mass of the star that went supernova and potentially discover surviving stellar companions that were once part of the same system.
What is the focus of the Hubble observations in NGC 7292?
The Hubble Space Telescope’s observations in NGC 7292 aim to investigate the aftermath of Type II supernovae. By scrutinizing the aftermath and remaining nearby stars of a large sample of historical Type II supernovae, astronomers hope to gain a better understanding of the diversity of these events.
How is NGC 7292 classified as a low surface brightness galaxy?
NGC 7292 is classified as a low surface brightness galaxy because it appears remarkably faint against the backdrop of the night sky. Such galaxies are typically dominated by gas and dark matter rather than stars, and they lack distinct spiral arms or a smooth elliptical shape.
Where is NGC 7292 located?
NGC 7292 is located in the Pegasus constellation, which is approximately 44 million light-years away from Earth. It can be observed using the Hubble Space Telescope.
More about supernova aftermath
- NASA Hubble Space Telescope
- NGC 7292 on NASA’s Hubble site
- Type II Supernovae on NASA’s website
- Pegasus Constellation on Constellation Guide
3 comments
Wow, Hubble Space Telescope is sooo cool! They snapped a pic of NGC 7292 in Pegasus. It’s an irregular galaxy with a stretched-out core and low surface brightness. Exploring the aftermath of the SN 1964H supernova is mind-blowing! #space #supernova #Hubble
NGC 7292 be lookin’ all disheveled and faint. No spiral arms like Whirlpool Galaxy or smooth shape like Messier 59. Core all stretched out in a bar. Soooo cool! Can’t believe SN 1964H went boom! Wonder what they’ll find. #space #astronomy #supernova
NGC 7292, the “faint one,” got Hubble’s attention. It’s a low surface brightness galaxy in Pegasus. Type II supernova SN 1964H caused a cosmic mess! Excited to see what they learn ’bout supernovae and possible stellar buddies. #Hubble #cosmicmess