Hubble imaged two dwarf galaxies

The Hubble Space Telescope continues to unravel the mysteries of the depths of the universe. In its final images, it revealed two small dwarf galaxies, IC 3430 and NGC 5238. These galaxies are helping astronomers deepen their understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.

Two dwarf galaxies imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope: IC 3430 and NGC 5238

IC 3430, imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope, is known as a small dwarf galaxy located approximately 45 million light-years away. This galaxy is both classified as a dwarf galaxy due to its small size and described as an elliptical galaxy due to its shape. While elliptical galaxies are known for their smooth and featureless appearance, the hot blue stars at the center of IC 3430 are an exception for this galaxy. These young stars are a rarity in elliptical galaxies.

Another Hubble image shows another dwarf galaxy called NGC 5238. This galaxy is located closer than IC 3430, approximately 14.5 million light-years away. NGC 5238 has a more complex structure and hosts globular clusters, which are clusters of stars grouped into bright regions. Astronomers think that this structure resulted from a past galaxy merger. This merger caused the gas inside the galaxy to be displaced and the formation of star pockets.

Studies of these small galaxies help astronomers improve their theories about galaxy formation and evolution. According to Hubble scientists, one theory of galaxy evolution suggests that galaxies form in a hierarchical ‘bottom-up’ manner. First, star clusters and small galaxies formed from gas and dark matter. Over time, gravity formed these small objects into galaxy clusters and superclusters. This process explains the shapes of the largest structures we see in the universe today.

By examining small galaxies such as IC 3430 and NGC 5238, the Hubble Space Telescope makes great contributions to our understanding of how galaxies form and evolve. Such studies help us better understand the dynamics of galaxy mergers and evolution. Hubble continues to shed light on the world of science with its observations in deep space.