The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of NGC 4694, a galaxy located 54 million light-years from Earth. This galaxy presents a classification challenge as it exhibits characteristics of both spiral and elliptical galaxies. While spiral galaxies are known for their star-forming gas and distinct arms, elliptical galaxies are dominated by older, redder stars. NGC 4694's unique blend of features has astronomers intrigued.
Where it is: 54 million light-years from Earth, in the constellation VirgoWhy it's so special: NGC 4694 is a galaxy that cannot be easily classified into one of the two basic galaxy types: spiral and elliptical. Astronomers needed to examine its properties in detail to find its exact classification.
However, NGC 4694 has properties of both types, complicating its classification, Hubble Space Telescope team members explained in a description of the image. It has a smooth-looking, armless shape, like an elliptical galaxy, and a disk with a low star-formation rate. However, it has relatively younger and newer stars forming in its central region. By contrast, elliptical galaxies do not typically contain the ingredients necessary for new stars to form.
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Astronomy Hubble Telescope Galaxy NGC 4694 Spiral Galaxy Elliptical Galaxy
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