Utilizamos cookies propias y de terceros para el correcto funcionamiento del sitio web y mejorar nuestros servicios. Pulse el siguiente botón para aceptar su uso. Puede cambiar la configuración u obtener más información en nuestra Política de cookies.
We use our own and third-party cookies for the correct functioning of the website and to improve our services. Click the following button to accept its use. You can change the settings or obtain more information in our Cookies Policy.
At an estimated distance of 90 million light years away NGC 488 is an intriguing galaxy despite its distance from us. This galaxy displays subtle and tightly wound blue spiral arms with a yellowish core. Astronomers that have recently observed this galaxy note that the stars in the disk are orbiting the galaxy at a break-neck speed of 360km/s. If this number seems large to you- bear in mind you are orbiting the center of the Milky Way at 220 km/s. By studying the velocity distribution of stars in a galaxy like this astronmers attempt to answer fundamental questions concerning the structure of spiral galaxies. For example, observations of this galaxy confirm that it is the process of star formation (molecular clouds) and not the kinematic motions of stars that determine the spiral appearence of spiral galaxies. Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope. B, I and H-alpha bands.
For publication or display (electronic or otherwise), all photos, images or videos must be credited: "Photo/image/video courtesy of the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes, La Palma" unless otherwise noted in the provided credit line. Please contact ING's Public Relations Officer (outreaching.iac.es) with all the details of the use.
ing.iac.es) with all the details of the use.
