Caldwell 32
In the Whale galaxy’s “tail” (on the right side of the image) there is less dust but still areas of bright blue star formation, driven by interactions with neighboring galaxies. As gas and dust from different galaxies meet in space, denser areas are created, which gravity compacts into new stars. This Hubble image, taken with the Advanced Camera for Surveys, shows an area that is about 140,000 light-years across. Hubble’s observations provide the opportunity to explore this galaxy in visible and near-infrared light, which, combined with X-ray observations from other telescopes, allow scientists to develop a more complete picture of ongoing galactic processes.
Similar in size to the Milky Way, the Whale galaxy is a located about 25 million light-years away in the Canes Venatici constellation. It is one of the many Caldwell objects discovered by astronomer William Herschel. It has a magnitude of 9.2, requiring large binoculars or a telescope to see it. As one of the brighter Caldwell galaxies, it is a favorite among observers. Late spring skies in the Northern Hemisphere (or autumn in the Southern Hemisphere) will provide an optimal view of the Whale galaxy.
For more information about Hubble’s observations of Caldwell 32, see:
www.spacetelescope.org/images/potw1146a/
Credit: NASA & ESA
For Hubble's Caldwell catalog site and information on how to find these objects in the night sky, visit:
www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/hubble-s-caldwell-catalogRelevante Bilder
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