The Hubble Space Telescope, a joint project of NASA and ESA, has captured a stunning image of the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. This galaxy is characterized by a prominent bar of stars at its center, with spiral arms extending outward. The tilted perspective makes NGC 2566 resemble a cosmic eye.
Astronomers utilize Hubble's observations to survey the galaxy’s star clusters and star-forming regions. The data collected is particularly useful for studying young stars, which are bright in the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths that Hubble detects. Researchers can determine the ages of these stars, aiding in the understanding of the timeline of star formation and gas exchange within the galaxy.
Hubble often collaborates with other observatories, such as the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, to enhance its findings. Webb's capabilities extend into infrared wavelengths, allowing for a more detailed analysis of warm dust regions. Furthermore, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), consisting of 66 radio telescopes, captures intricate images of gas and dust clouds where stars are born. The combined efforts of Hubble, Webb, and ALMA offer a comprehensive view of star formation and evolution across the universe.