When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Located in the constellation Leo, spiral galaxy NGC 3370 has long been a favorite among astronomers. NGC 3370 is part of a small galaxy group that also other galaxies studied by the Hubble Space Telescope. Studying these galaxies together helps astronomers understand how galaxies interact, evolve and influence one another over cosmic timescales.
What is it?
Spiral galaxies are among the most striking and familiar structures in the universe. Characterized by graceful, winding arms that spiral out from a bright central bulge, these systems are rich with both young and old stars, swirling gas and cosmic dust.
The Milky Way, our own galactic home, is one such spiral, and studying other examples like NGC 3370 provides astronomers with clues about how galaxies form and evolve.
Where is it?
Spiral galaxy NGC 3370 is located 90 million light years away in the Leo constellation.
Why is it amazing?
NGC 3370 is home to two types of celestial landmarks that have helped astronomers chart cosmic distances with precision: Cepheid variable stars and Type la supernovas. Cepheids are pulsating stars whose brightness rises and falls in predictable cycles, the longer the period of pulsation, the more luminous they are. Meanwhile, Type la supernovas occur when a white dwarf star undergoes a thermonuclear explosion, reaching nearly the same peak brightness each time.
By comparing how bright these objects appear from Earth with how bright they actually are, astronomers can calculate their distances, and in turn, measure how quickly the universe is expanding. Together, these "standard candles" form the backbone of the cosmic distance ladder, a framework that has shaped our modern understanding of cosmic scale and motion.
Want to learn more?
You can learn more about the Hubble Space Telescope and galaxy formation.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
The Most Encouraging New companies to Look Out For - 2Here are 10 stores where you can get a free Thanksgiving turkey
- 3How food assistance programs can feed families and nourish their dignity
- 4NASA's SPHEREx telescope completes its 1st cosmic map of the entire sky and it's stunning!
- 5Parents who delay baby's first vaccines also likely to skip measles shots
- Must-See Attractions in Washington, D.C.
- The Starbucks for Life game is back, along with your chance to win a 'Bearista' cold cup. Here's how to get your paws on one.
- Figure out how to Arrange a Fair Settlement with the Assistance of a Fender bender Legal counselor
- Solid Propensities: Little Changes for a Superior Life
- Individual Preparation Administrations to Raise Your Wellness Process
- Lebanon says Israeli strike killed 13 people near Palestinian refugee camp
- Immortal Style: Closet Staples for Each Age
- Thermo Fisher wins contracts as pharma shifts production to US, CEO says
- She just became the first wheelchair user to travel to space
