The latest image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope unveils the intriguing galaxy NGC 4694, located 54 million light-years away in the Virgo galaxy cluster. Unlike typical classifications, NGC 4694 exhibits characteristics of both elliptical and spiral galaxies, prompting a re-evaluation of its type.
With a smooth, armless disk reminiscent of elliptical galaxies, NGC 4694 appears devoid of star formation. However, its stellar population is relatively young, with new stars actively forming in its core, resulting in a bright center that distinguishes it from classic ellipticals.
Interestingly, NGC 4694 is rich in hydrogen gas and dust, elements usually associated with younger spiral galaxies. The Hubble image reveals chaotic dust structures and a significant cloud of hydrogen surrounding the galaxy, indicating a recent disturbance.
Further analysis shows that NGC 4694 is connected to a faint dwarf galaxy, VCC 2062, through a long bridge of hydrogen gas. This interaction suggests a violent collision between the two, leading to NGC 4694's unique shape and its ongoing star formation activity.
As a result, NGC 4694 is classified as a lenticular galaxy—lacking the spiral arms but still possessing a central bulge and disk, along with more star-forming gas than typical elliptical galaxies. This discovery underscores the complexity of galactic classification and highlights Hubble's role in unveiling the mysteries of the universe.