The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a breathtaking image of the spiral galaxy NGC 5248, located approximately 42 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Boötes. Also referred to as Caldwell 45, NGC 5248 is renowned for its striking spiral structure and vibrant starburst regions, making it a favourite among astronomers.
In the image, NGC 5248 showcases its two prominent spiral arms that extend outward from a bright central region, almost reaching the corners of the frame. Dark reddish dust lanes weave through these arms, blocking some light and highlighting the galaxy’s intricate structure. The glowing points of bright pink scattered throughout indicate regions where new stars are actively forming, giving the galaxy a dynamic appearance.
This galaxy is classified as a ‘grand design’ spiral, characterised by its well-defined arms and a subtle bar structure at its core, which is not fully visible in the Hubble portrait. These features play a crucial role in the galaxy’s evolution, influencing how matter moves through it over time. The dynamic flows of gas from the galaxy’s outer regions feed into the central star-forming areas, and potentially towards its central black hole, facilitating the formation of an active galactic nucleus.
NGC 5248 is particularly noteworthy for its numerous bright starburst regions, which are scattered across its disk and dominated by a population of young stars. Among these are two active, ring-shaped starburst regions encircling the nucleus, packed with young star clusters. The presence of a second nuclear ring within the first is indicative of the intense flows of matter and energy at work within this galaxy.
Due to its proximity and the visibility of its starburst regions, NGC 5248 serves as an excellent target for both professional and amateur astronomers. The Hubble Space Telescope continues to provide invaluable insights into the structure and evolution of galaxies like NGC 5248, further enhancing our understanding of the cosmos.