Posted on 06/15/2015 4:20:11 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Explanation: Why do many galaxies appear as spirals? A striking example is M101, shown above, whose relatively close distance of about 27 million light years allows it to be studied in some detail. Observational evidence indicates that a close gravitational interaction with a neighboring galaxy created waves of high mass and condensed gas which continue to orbit the galaxy center. These waves compress existing gas and cause star formation. One result is that M101, also called the Pinwheel Galaxy, has several extremely bright star-forming regions (called HII regions) spread across its spiral arms. M101 is so large that its immense gravity distorts smaller nearby galaxies.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit: Subaru Telescope (NAOJ), Hubble Space Telescope; Processing and Copyright: Robert Gendler]
Hunger to see inside of everything, Civ ... My appreciation ...
How many times have I stupidly try to glimpse this one as a kid through a 60mm refractor in the middle of the city!
But hey, it was fun none the less.
Ahhh... The beautiful behemoth! Large enough to distort
surrounding galaxies. Whew! That’s BIG!
Thank you for the post and ping, Mr. Civilizations.
Sorry I’ve been AWOL for a while, but Bryan and I went
to Texas for the Texas Cowboy Memorial Shoot.
It’s nice to be back again, and nice to see you.
:’) My pleasure.
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