Awe-inspiring Discovery: Hubble Captures Stellar ‘Imposter’ in Great Bear Galaxy
The Hubble Space Telescope recently unveiled a captivating image of the spiral galaxy UGC 5460, located 60 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. This striking snapshot showcases the galaxy’s central bar of stars, its spiral arms, and vibrant young blue star clusters. What makes this image truly exceptional is the presence of a remarkably bright star hovering above the galaxy, just 577 light-years away in our own Milky Way.
This galaxy has been the stage for not one, but two significant supernova explosions in the past 14 years. These astronomical events are monumental for scientists, marking the final destructive phase for massive stars. A supernova explosion can briefly shine with the intensity of up to 100 billion stars, momentarily outshining their entire host galaxies.
Supernovae are crucial for dispersing heavy elements throughout interstellar space, fueling the birth of new stars. While these stellar explosions may be inevitable for certain classes of stars, the manner in which they play out can vary dramatically. This appears to be the case for the two recent supernovas that have erupted in this picturesque spiral galaxy.
The Spectacular Supernova Events
In 2015, astronomers observed the explosion of the star SN 2015 as a “core-collapse” supernova. This event occurred when the massive star depleted its nuclear fuel, collapsing under its own gravitational force and expelling its outer layers into UGC 5460. This explosion prompted astronomers to capture the new image of the galaxy, hoping to study how a supernova’s shock wave interacts with the surrounding interstellar gas.
On the other hand, an earlier supernova explosion in 2011, known as SN 2011ht, initially appeared to be a core collapse event. However, researchers suspect that it might be a “luminous blue variable,” a rare type of massive star that experiences outbursts resembling a supernova but manages to survive. Hubble is currently on the lookout for the surviving star at the site of the explosion, seeking to unravel this cosmic mystery.
The Intriguing Details Revealed by Hubble
This detailed image of UGC 5460 captured by Hubble’s Wide Field Camera combines data from the ultraviolet, near-infrared, and visible light spectrums. Situated near the stars Merak and Dubhe on the outskirts of the Big Dipper/Plough asterism in the night sky, this galaxy remains too faint to be visible without the aid of powerful professional astronomy telescopes.
Renowned journalist Jamie Carter, based in Cardiff, U.K., who frequently contributes to Live Science and other prestigious publications, offers valuable insights into the significance of this cosmic marvel. With expertise in astronomy and a passion for the natural world, Jamie’s expertise sheds light on the wonder and complexity of the universe.
Stay tuned for more captivating space images and astronomical discoveries, as we continue to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.
