NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured an awe-inspiring image of the spiral galaxy NGC 5248, located around 42 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Boötes.
Also known as Caldwell 45, this galaxy is renowned for its distinct spiral structure and its vibrant starburst regions, making it a favorite among astronomers.
The image showcases two well-defined spiral arms extending from the galaxy’s bright central region, with dark reddish dust lanes threading through them, adding depth and complexity. Scattered bright pink spots throughout the arms mark regions of active star formation, contributing to the dynamic visual appeal of the galaxy.
NGC 5248 is classified as a ‘grand design’ spiral galaxy, known for its clear spiral arms and a subtle bar structure at its core, although the bar is not fully visible in this Hubble image.
These structural elements are significant in the galaxy's evolution, impacting the flow of matter and gas, which fuels star formation and potentially feeds the central black hole, supporting the development of an active galactic nucleus.
Noteworthy for its numerous starburst regions, NGC 5248 boasts two prominent, ring-shaped star-forming areas near the nucleus, filled with young star clusters. The discovery of a second ring within the first highlights the powerful dynamics shaping this galaxy’s evolution.
Thanks to its relative proximity to Earth and the visibility of its star-forming regions, NGC 5248 is an attractive target for both professional and amateur astronomers alike.