Gas and Stars Stolen from Galaxy: Stunning ESO Photo and Video
A galaxy located over 160 million light-years from Earth has been robbed of its gas and stars, as captured in a new image from the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The spiral galaxy, known as NGC 3312, is situated within the large cluster Hydra I, which is home to hundreds of galaxies, with NGC 3312 being the largest among them.
ESO astronomers used the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at the Paranal Observatory in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile to capture a close-up view of NGC 3312. In the image released by ESO officials, the spiral galaxy appears to be “spilling its contents into the cosmos around it,” showcasing a stunning display of cosmic phenomena. (Image credit: ESO/INAF/M. Spavone, E. Iodice)
Ram Pressure Stripping: The Cosmic Robbery Process
NGC 3312 is prominently featured in the new image, surrounded by bright stars and galaxies. A smudge of interstellar material can be seen at the lower right of the galaxy, indicating that it is being stripped from the galaxy as it moves towards the center of the cluster. This process, known as ram pressure stripping, occurs when a galaxy traverses through a dense fluid, such as the hot gas present between galaxies in a cluster.
According to ESO officials, “This hot gas drags against the colder gas on the outer shell of the galaxy, ‘pulling’ it off and causing it to leak into the cosmos. This cold gas serves as the raw material for star formation, so galaxies losing gas this way are at risk of a dwindling stellar population.”
Jellyfish Galaxies: Victims of Cosmic Robbery
As more gas is stripped from the galaxy over time, it can form long tendrils of trailing gas, giving rise to galaxies like NGC 3312 being referred to as jellyfish galaxies. These galaxies, falling victim to acts of cosmic robbery, exhibit unique features that set them apart from others in the vast universe.
In a broader perspective, the ESO also shared a zoomed-out view of the Hydra I cluster, showcasing the spiral galaxy NGC 3312 amidst a plethora of bright points. This wide-field view captures the vast nature of the cluster, which houses 157 bright galaxies, each potentially influenced by strong gravitational forces within the cluster.
Impact on Galaxy Evolution: Insights from NGC 3312
The observation of NGC 3312 and its interactions within the Hydra I cluster provide valuable insights into the complex processes shaping the evolution of galaxies. Ram pressure stripping is just one of the many astronomical phenomena that contribute to the diverse and captivating images of the universe, as noted by ESO officials.
The study of galaxies like NGC 3312 sheds light on the intricate dynamics at play in the cosmic realm, offering a glimpse into the myriad ways in which galaxies interact and evolve over time. By unraveling the mysteries of cosmic phenomena, astronomers continue to deepen their understanding of the universe and its ever-changing landscape.
Conclusion:
The captivating image of NGC 3312 captured by the ESO serves as a reminder of the intricate dance of gas, stars, and galaxies that unfolds in the vast expanse of space. Through ongoing observations and research, astronomers strive to unravel the mysteries of the universe, one galaxy at a time. The cosmic robbery witnessed in NGC 3312 highlights the fragility and resilience of galaxies in the face of powerful forces at play, offering a glimpse into the dynamic nature of the cosmos.
