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
Ukraine confirms defence and energy ministers at second attempt - 2The most effective method to Shake Hands Expertly: A Bit by bit Guide
- 3Sea Ice Hits New Low in Hottest Year on Record for the Arctic
- 4Potential Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping could further damage global economy
- 5Kuwait is softening stance on Israel, dissident tells ‘Post’ after viral UN speech
- CDC vaccine panel votes to remove universal hepatitis B birth dose recommendation
- Make your choice for the bird that catches your heart!
- My Excursion to Monetary Autonomy: Awesome ways to save cash
- The Way to Monetary Health: Individual budget Change
- WHO suspends medical evacuations from Gaza following death of contractor in 'security incident'
- Favored Chinese Dish: Make Your Determination
- Space Condos to Lift Your Metropolitan Living
- Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
- 'We were genuinely astonished': This moss survived 9 months outside the International Space Station and could still grow on Earth
