Spiral Galaxy UGC 2885
Meet UGC 2885, a colossal barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Perseus, approximately 232 million light-years away from Earth. With a diameter of 463,000 light-years, this galaxy stands out as one of the largest known spiral galaxies, earning the affectionate nickname "Godzilla galaxy."
What is UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy is a massive spiral galaxy located in the constellation Perseus. It is known for its impressive size and structure.
What Type of Galaxy is UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy is classified as a spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies are characterized by their spiral arms, a central bulge, and a rotating disk of stars, gas, and dust.
How old is UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy
The age of UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy is estimated to be around 2 to 3 billion years.
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy Size in Light Years
The size of UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy is immense, with an estimated diameter of about 832,000 light-years.
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy has a diameter that is significantly larger than the Milky Way, reaching about 832,000 light-years. In comparison, the Milky Way's diameter is approximately 100,000 light-years.
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy Mass in Solar Masses
The mass of UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy is substantial, and it is estimated to be around 1 trillion solar masses.
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy Location
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy is located in the constellation Perseus, situated in the vast cosmic structure of the observable universe.
10 Interesting Fun Facts about UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy
- UGC 2885 is often referred to as the "oddball" galaxy due to its extraordinary size.
- It is one of the largest known spiral galaxies in the universe.
- The galaxy's size makes it approximately 16 times wider than the Milky Way.
- UGC 2885 is classified as an unbarred spiral galaxy.
- The galaxy's massive size challenges existing theories about galaxy formation and evolution.
- It was studied in detail using data from the Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories.
- UGC 2885 is part of a small group of galaxies in the Perseus constellation.
- Despite its large size, the galaxy has a relatively low density of stars.
- The spiral arms of UGC 2885 are home to numerous star-forming regions.
- Studying UGC 2885 provides insights into the dynamics of massive galaxies and their role in cosmic structures.
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
UGC 2885 Spiral Galaxy is located at a distance of about 232 million light-years from Earth. In miles, this is approximately 1.36e+21 miles (2.19e+21 km) away. The immense distance emphasizes the vast scales involved in cosmic observations and the challenges of studying distant galaxies.
A Stellar Size and Structure
UGC 2885's sheer size is awe-inspiring, being 2.5 times wider than our Milky Way and boasting ten times as many stars. The galaxy's structure is characterized by a low surface brightness, with its central bulge taking center stage. A faint bar elegantly crosses the galaxy's center, adding to its celestial beauty.
UGC 2885 Galaxy
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Rubin's Galaxy or "Godzilla Galaxy" |
| Catalog Designations | IRAS 03497+3526, MCG+06-09-012, TC 49, Z 039.8+3527 |
| Constellation | Perseus |
| Right Ascension | 03h 53m 02.458s |
| Declination | +35° 35′ 22.17″ |
| Redshift | 0.019353 |
| Distance from Earth | 232 million light-years (71 Mpc) |
| Apparent Magnitude (V) | 13.5 |
| Type | SA(rs)c (Barred Spiral Galaxy) |
| Mass | 2 trillion solar masses |
| Size | 463,000 light-years in diameter (142,000 pc) |
| Apparent Size (V) | 3.9′ × 1.9′ |
| Supernova Event | SN 2002F (Detected on January 17, 2002) |
| Notable Features | - Barred structure in the core |
| - Lack of major tidal tails | |
| - Modest rate of star formation | |
| Special Characteristics | - Classified as a field galaxy |
| - Possible member of the Pisces-Perseus supercluster | |
| - Presence of a dormant supermassive black hole | |
| Discoverer/Observer | Named after astronomer Vera Rubin, known for her work on dark matter |
| Observation Data (J2000 epoch) | Constellation: Perseus |
| Distance: 71.1 Mpc (232 Mly) | |
| Apparent Magnitude (V): 13.5 | |
| Other Information | Largest known spiral galaxy |
| Smoothly wrapped spiral arms | |
| Possible hydrogen gas accretion for growth | |
| Foreground stars visible in observations | |
| Contributions to the study of dark matter |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of key properties and characteristics of the Spiral Galaxy UGC 2885, offering a quick reference for astronomers and enthusiasts alike.
A Field Galaxy and its Unique Origins
Unlike many galaxies that experience interactions and collisions, UGC 2885 is classified as a field galaxy, residing in remote and under-dense regions of space. NASA's findings suggest that this colossal beauty grew primarily through the accretion of intergalactic hydrogen gas, challenging the conventional belief of galactic growth through collisions.
Puzzling Features: A Galaxy Without the Usual Telltale Signs
Despite its immense size, UGC 2885 exhibits a near-perfect structure with spiral arms and a disk, devoid of tidal tails. The rate of star formation is a modest 0.5 solar masses per year, emphasizing the galaxy's lack of major interactions. Hubble images revealed a small bar within the ring structure of the core, raising questions about the conventional wisdom regarding bar formation in spiral galaxies.
Supernova Spectacle: SN 2002F
On January 17, 2002, astronomers observed the explosion of a type II supernova, named SN 2002F, within UGC 2885, adding a dramatic chapter to the galaxy's cosmic story.
UGC 2885's Enigmatic Growth
The puzzle deepens as astronomers explore the galaxy's growth. Unlike the expected intergalactic corporate mergers, UGC 2885 shows no signs of a major collision with another galaxy. Its spiral arms wrap smoothly around the bright core, and the dormant supermassive black hole lacks the influx of material from neighboring galaxies.
Counting Clues: Investigating UGC 2885's Secrets
Scientists leverage Hubble's sharp vision to count globular star clusters in the galaxy's outer regions. The excess of these clusters could provide clues about their origin, potentially unveiling evidence of captured clusters from smaller galaxies over billions of years.
Rubin's Legacy: Dark Matter and UGC 2885
UGC 2885 bears the name "Rubin's galaxy" in honor of astronomer Vera Rubin. Her observations of UGC 2885 and similar galaxies laid the groundwork for the discovery of dark matter, the invisible force binding a galaxy's stars, gas, and dust.
Delving Deeper: UGC 2885's Astronomical Attributes
The Stargazing Details of UGC 2885
Dive into the specifics of UGC 2885 with observational data highlighting its celestial characteristics:
- Constellation and Location: Situated in the Perseus constellation, UGC 2885 stands as a stellar masterpiece in the northern skies.
- Position in the Universe: Positioned at Right Ascension 03h 53m 02.458s and Declination +35° 35′ 22.17″, the galaxy reveals its place in the vast cosmic tapestry.
- Redshift and Distance: With a redshift of 0.019353, UGC 2885 is approximately 71.1 Mpc (232 Mly) away from our home planet.
- Apparent Magnitude: Shining at an apparent magnitude (V) of 13.5, UGC 2885 captures the attention of astronomers and stargazers alike.
Unraveling UGC 2885's Galactic Identity
Let's explore UGC 2885's key characteristics that define its astronomical identity:
- Galactic Type: UGC 2885 belongs to the category of SA(rs)c spiral galaxies, showcasing a distinct spiral structure with a central bar.
- Massive Scale: Weighing in at a staggering 2 trillion solar masses, UGC 2885 solidifies its status as a cosmic heavyweight.
- Size and Apparent Size: Spanning a colossal 463 kly (142 kpc), UGC 2885 presents an apparent size (V) of 3.9′ × 1.9′, capturing the attention of sky gazers worldwide.
- Other Designations: Known by various designations such as IRAS 03497+3526, MCG+06-09-012, TC 49, and Z 039.8+3527, UGC 2885 has made its mark in astronomical records.
UGC 2885's Galactic Quirks: A Stellar Anomaly
The Hubble Telescope's exceptionally sharp vision has uncovered peculiarities within UGC 2885 that challenge conventional astronomical norms:
- Bar Presence: Contrary to its initial classification as an unbarred spiral galaxy, recent Hubble images reveal the presence of a small bar cutting across the ring structure of the core. This discovery suggests unconventional forces at play in the development of galactic bars.
- Supernova Showdown: The eruption of SN 2002F within UGC 2885 adds a dynamic element to its narrative, showcasing the ongoing cosmic drama within this massive galaxy.
A Celestial Quest for Answers
In the ongoing quest to understand UGC 2885's cosmic enigma, astronomers deploy advanced technologies and telescopes to peel back the layers of mystery surrounding this colossal spiral galaxy.
The Challenge of UGC 2885's Gigantic Stature
Astronomers grapple with the question: How did UGC 2885 attain such astronomical proportions without the typical signs of galactic mergers? The absence of major collisions and the smoothly wrapped spiral arms raise intriguing challenges and call for innovative approaches to unravel this celestial puzzle.
Hubble's Sharp Eye on UGC 2885
Hubble's unparalleled resolution enables astronomers to zoom in on the outer regions of UGC 2885, counting globular star clusters to unearth clues about their origin. The excess of these clusters could provide a trail of evidence, revealing whether they were captured from smaller galaxies over billions of years, adding a layer of forensic detail to the galaxy's intricate history.
UGC 2885's Gas Sip: A Galactic Quirk
One of the most perplexing aspects of UGC 2885 is its potential "gas sip" from space. Scientists propose that this mammoth galaxy may be drawing hydrogen gas from its surroundings, a phenomenon that fuels ongoing starbirth at half the rate found in our Milky Way. This raises questions about the sources and sustainability of galactic fuel, challenging established models of cosmic evolution.
Foreground Stars and Photobombing Phenomena
As astronomers gaze into the depths of UGC 2885, they encounter foreground stars photobombing their observations. The unique appearance of these stars, identified by their cross-shaped artifacts, serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when peering into the vastness of our universe.
Vera Rubin's Legacy: Dark Matter and Beyond
UGC 2885 bears the namesake of the renowned astronomer Vera Rubin, whose groundbreaking observations paved the way for the discovery of dark matter. Rubin's Galaxy continues to contribute to our understanding of this invisible force that binds galaxies, showcasing the enduring impact of Rubin's legacy on the field of astrophysics.
The Future of UGC 2885 Exploration
As technological advancements propel our exploration of the cosmos, UGC 2885 stands as a testament to the vastness and complexity of the universe. The ongoing study of this colossal galaxy promises to unlock new dimensions of knowledge, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of galactic evolution, dark matter, and the forces shaping the cosmos.
Conclusion: Marveling at the Cosmic Wonder
As we delve into the mysteries of UGC 2885, Rubin's Galaxy continues to captivate astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. Its colossal size, unique features, and enigmatic growth challenge our understanding of the universe, inviting us to marvel at the beauty and complexity of the cosmos.