The Hubble Space Telescope took a close-up view of Messier 110, a neighboring galaxy that is home to a population of young, blue stars. (Photo Credit: ESA / Hubble & NASA, L. Ferrarese et al.)
Messier 110, a neighboring galaxy of the Milky Way, may not look as dazzling as other celestial sights, but the Hubble Space Telescope’s latest close-up of the galaxy shows off its beautiful characteristics.
As a member of the Local Group, a gathering of galaxies that include the Milky Way and others, it is one of many satellite galaxies that surround the Andromeda galaxy and it’s classified as a dwarf elliptical galaxy, NASA said in a press statement.
Elliptical galaxies don’t have notable pockets of star formation and lack arms. Dwarf ellipticals, such as Messier 110, are often found in clusters of galaxies and may be satellites of bigger galaxies. Since they contain mostly old stars, elliptical galaxies are sometimes considered “dead” compared to their spiral kin.
#HubbleFriday Many of the best-loved galaxies in the cosmos are remarkably large, close, bright, or beautiful, often with an unusual structure or history. However, it takes all kinds to make a universe — as demonstrated by this image of Messier 110: https://t.co/TkYXv7QH0i pic.twitter.com/roGFKALcES
— Hubble (@NASAHubble) September 20, 2019
Despite Messier 110 being characterized as “deceased,” astronomers have detected signs of a population of young, blue stars at the heart of the galaxy, hinting that it may be alive and well.
Messier 110 can be spotted with a large telescope, which will reveal an oval shape with a brighter core. NASA says the best time to view Messier 110 is in November.
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