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
Scientists find evidence that an asteroid contains tryptophan - 2Paraplegic engineer becomes the first wheelchair user to blast into space
- 3Cyclone causes blackout, flight chaos in Brazil's Sao Paulo
- 4Netanyahu leads meeting on West Bank riots, Katz defends axing administrative detention for Jews
- 5Coffee Prices Finish Higher on Brazil Cop Concerns
- How Would You Like to Deal with Your Funds?
- This Asian country is the next hot travel destination, and this is one of its best hotels
- Iranian-linked drone attack kills Kurdish couple in northern Iraq
- Vote in favor of Your #1 4\u00d74 SUVs
- Smooth countdown continues for Artemis II moon mission
- The most effective method to Pick the Right Teeth Substitution Choice for You
- Dominating the Art of Composing: Creator Bits of knowledge
- Vote In favor of Your Favored Kind Of Organic product
- Architect Frank Gehry has died: See his most iconic buildings
