The Caldwell 5 galaxy is shrouded in dark dust so that it appears hidden.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Telescope Hubble featuring stunning photos of galaxy spiral IC 342 or commonly known as Caldwell 5. According to the American Space Agency (NASA), scientists have a hard time monitoring this galaxy because of the obstruction, which makes it look like a “hidden” galaxy.
“The galaxy arose near the equator of the Milky Way, which is filled with thick cosmic gas, dark dust, and glowing stars that obscure our view,” NASA wrote.
Because Hubble has infrared capabilities, it can peek to some extent. The dust scatters less infrared light, allowing for a sharper view of galaxies beyond interstellar bodies.
“This view of the glittering center of the galaxy features tendrils of dust intertwined in spectacular arms that wrap around a brilliant core of gas and stars,” NASA wrote.
“This core is a specific type of region called the H II core – an area of ionized hydrogen atoms. Such a region is the birthplace of energetic stars where thousands of stars can form over several million years.”
According to NASA, the blue star ionizes or excites hydrogen around its birthplace by releasing ultraviolet light. If there wasn’t so much dust in the way, the galaxy would be one of the brightest in our sky.
In galactic terms, IC 342 is also close at hand, just 11 million light-years from Earth. Hubble has been in space for a generation and has previously imaged this galaxy. Photos of galaxy IC 342 can also be seen in 2017 and 2010.
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