Hubble Snaps Beautiful Image of NGC 2008 | Astronomy – Sci-News.com
Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured a stunning image of the spiral galaxy NGC 2008.
This Hubble image shows NGC 2008, a spiral galaxy located 426 million light-years away in the constellation Pictor. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / A. Bellini.
NGC 2008 was discovered on December 27, 1834 by the English astronomer John Herschel.
The galaxy lies approximately 426 million light-years away in the constellation of Pictor.
Otherwise known as LEDA 17480 and ESO 204-20, NGC 2008 is classified as a type Sc galaxy.
“The ‘S’ indicates that NGC 2008 is a spiral, while the ‘c’ means it has a relatively small central bulge and more open spiral arms,” Hubble astronomers explained.
“Spiral galaxies with larger central bulges tend to have more tightly wrapped arms, and are classified as Sa galaxies, while those in between are classified as type Sb.”
“Spiral galaxies are ubiquitous across the cosmos, comprising over 70% of all observed galaxies — including our own, the Milky Way,” they said.
“However, their ubiquity does not detract from their beauty.”
“These grand, spiraling collections of billions of stars are among the most wondrous sights that have been captured by telescopes such as Hubble, and are firmly embedded in astronomical iconography.”
