The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a remarkable image of the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. This galaxy features a prominent bar of stars at its center, with spiral arms extending from either end, creating an almond-shaped disk that resembles a cosmic eye from our perspective.
Astronomers utilize Hubble to survey NGC 2566's star clusters and star-forming regions. The telescope's data is particularly valuable for studying stars just a few million years old, as they emit bright ultraviolet and visible wavelengths detectable by Hubble.
Researchers can determine the ages of the stars in NGC 2566, aiding in the reconstruction of the galaxy's star formation timeline and the interaction between star-forming clouds and the stars themselves.
Hubble collaborates with other observatories, including the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, to enhance its findings. Webb's infrared capabilities provide additional insights into the warm, glowing dust surrounding star-forming regions.
Moreover, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), consisting of 66 radio telescopes, captures detailed images of gas and dust clouds where stars are born. Together, Hubble, Webb, and ALMA offer a comprehensive view of star formation, life cycles, and demise across the universe.