NASA -- The Hubble, a telescope launched into orbit by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the 1990s has recently captured a spiral galaxy with its arms scattered into the oblivion with stars that brightly sparkle. The said image was that of the NGC 2903, a galaxy that lies about 30 million light-years away from the Milky Way. It is particularly located at the Leo constellation. Its image was taken as part of the survey of the 145 identified galaxies surrounding the Earth.
NASA emphasizes the importance of learning more about the planets and galaxies surrounding our the Earth and the Milky Way as it is not just about finding out if there is extraterrestrial life, but actually, it is the possibility to define the role of humans or of the Earth in the universe.
NASA astronauts who saw the image before it was released described this particular galaxy as something "whirling with its arms like that of a pinwheel with scattered stars." They also said that it is dark that bursts of gas, weaving lanes of cosmic dust. Such a description was proven to be amazingly beautiful when the image of this new galaxy was released. It looks nothing like that of what is familiar to us.
The Hubble is behind the iconic images of this beautiful galaxy. Before this recent discovery, it is also the same telescope that gave the world the image of the Pillars of Creation. Hubble has been in service to the world for 29 years and counting.
"The study is aimed to help astronomers achieve a better understanding of the relationship that exists between black holes that lurk at the core of galaxies such as this with the bulge of stars that surround it. The existence of gas and dust at the center of the galaxy is also studied to gain a better understanding as to how it affects the survival of elements in the galaxy," NASA writes.
The contribution of the Hubble to understanding the universe is indeed incomparable. It is one of the many technological advancements that mankind should be proud of. Not only has it pushed further the discovery about the Earth, but it has also shed light and awareness on different extraterrestrial discoveries as well.
This spiral galaxy is just one the many other galaxies the Hubble will be able to unveil.
