ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) has captured a picture of a spiral galaxy. The two space organization has shared a picture of the said galaxy.
European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope has pictured a very colorful stripe of stars, gas, and dust. The thing is said to be a spiral galaxy. It is named NGC 1055, according to ESO. It is a very big galaxy and it is 15 percent larger in diameter than the Milky Way. Most spiral galaxies have whirling arms but the NGC 1055 appears to lack the characteristic.
Also, the spiral galaxy shows unique twists in its structure making the scientists think it was caused by an interaction with a large neighboring galaxy. The NGC 1055 is also on the edge making it easier to be viewed in 3d. Unlike other spiral galaxies that their spiral arms are seen, this one is more on the edge. Every spiral galaxy that scientists in NASA or ESO have seen is more "face-on", or just a view from above or below it. Like the NGC 1232, it is a whirlpool-shaped galaxy.
Science Daily has reported that other spiral galaxies are only seen in 3 dimensions. With NGC 1055, spiral galaxies can be studied more because of its different angle. If the spiral galaxy is on edge, scientists can get a clearer view of its stars. The height, its distribution, the new stars and the old ones, how flat a star is and how loaded it is with star, it all can be measured. Moreover, since it is bright, it can be viewed clearer against the contrast black background.
The scientists will study the disc of NGC 1055. They want to see its overall shape and its extensions and properties. How the disc warp, how its regions have different twists and disorder, all of it will be further studied. Interactions with the nearby galaxy Messier 77 (eso0319) is what scientists thought to cause its bends and warps in its spiral arms. The disc is very visible and the slight wave across the core is also seen.
The constellation of Cetus (The Sea Monster) is the home of NGC 1055. It is located about 55 million light-years away.
