Polar-ring galaxy: Difference between revisions
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A '''polar-ring galaxy''' is a relatively rare type of [[galaxy]], with only around 100 examples known. The best known polar-ring galaxy is [[NGC 4650A]]. It is theorized that | [[Image:NGC 4650A I HST2002.jpg|right|thumb|140px|[[NGC 4650A]] is one example of a polar-ring galaxy]] | ||
A '''polar-ring galaxy''' is a relatively rare type of [[galaxy]], with only around 100 examples known. The best known polar-ring galaxy is [[NGC 4650A]]. It is theorized that these galaxies are formed by the collision of two separate galaxies. The collision results in a structure composed of two rings of material rotating at an approximate right angle to each other. | |||
== Formation of polar-ring galaxies == | == Formation of polar-ring galaxies == | ||
It is important to understand that the collision occurs so slowly that even over a lifetime, the movement is almost imperceptible. Also important is that once what is left of the interacting galaxy has gone on after the collision, the remaining static galaxy does not simply stop moving. The stars in the galaxy will continue on their new paths until they are dispersed and it is no longer a galaxy. What one sees when they look at a polar-ring galaxy is a freeze-frame of a former galaxy spilling out around itself, its [[star]]s destined to disperse over many [[light-year]]s. | It is important to understand that the collision occurs so slowly that even over a lifetime, the movement is almost imperceptible. Also important is that once what is left of the interacting galaxy has gone on after the collision, the remaining static galaxy does not simply stop moving. The stars in the galaxy will continue on their new paths until they are dispersed and it is no longer a galaxy. What one sees when they look at a polar-ring galaxy is a freeze-frame of a former galaxy spilling out around itself, its [[star]]s destined to disperse over many [[light-year]]s. | ||
Revision as of 01:31, 11 May 2007
A polar-ring galaxy is a relatively rare type of galaxy, with only around 100 examples known. The best known polar-ring galaxy is NGC 4650A. It is theorized that these galaxies are formed by the collision of two separate galaxies. The collision results in a structure composed of two rings of material rotating at an approximate right angle to each other.
Formation of polar-ring galaxies
It is important to understand that the collision occurs so slowly that even over a lifetime, the movement is almost imperceptible. Also important is that once what is left of the interacting galaxy has gone on after the collision, the remaining static galaxy does not simply stop moving. The stars in the galaxy will continue on their new paths until they are dispersed and it is no longer a galaxy. What one sees when they look at a polar-ring galaxy is a freeze-frame of a former galaxy spilling out around itself, its stars destined to disperse over many light-years.
List of polar-ring galaxies
References
- Hubblesite.org Retrieved January 2007