The NOIRLab research center has shared a new image obtained using the Dark Energy Camera (DECam). It shows the galaxy NGC 1269, which resembles a giant steering wheel.
NGC 1269 is located about 33 million light-years from Earth in the direction of the constellation Eridanus. It is turned toward us, allowing us to observe its rather peculiar shape.
Most nearby large galaxies have a spiral structure. In contrast, the core of NGC 1269 is surrounded by two rings. At the same time, a bridge passes through the core, which is a characteristic feature of many spiral galaxies.
Apparently, NGC 1269 was once a typical spiral galaxy. Then it merged with another galaxy. This created a shock front which, spreading from its center, compressed the gas clouds, triggering a burst of star formation. It led to the appearance of bright rings.
The Dark Energy Camera that took the picture of the galaxy is mounted on Victor Blanco’s 4-meter telescope, located at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. It is one of the most sophisticated astronomical instruments of our time. The camera is capable of capturing detailed images of faint astronomical objects and revealing subtle patterns in the structure of the Universe caused by the influence of dark energy and dark matter.
Earlier, we reported on how the Dark Energy Camera photographed “fighting dragons.”
According to NOIRLab
