Hubble telescope provides fresh look at stunning ‘Sombrero Galaxy'
The Sombrero Galaxy is about 30 million light-years away within the constellation Virgo. Its most recognizable feature is its Mexican hat-like shape, hence the Sombrero nickname. But this galaxy is no hat hanging on a wall. The sharp line of the brim is created as one solar mass of gas is converted into stars, making the looping, dusty disk.
According to NASA, the galaxy's central supermassive black hole is 2,000 times more massive than the Milky Way's at nine billion solar masses.
The Best Evidence For Life Outside Our Solar System Just Got Stronger
NASA's other powerful space telescopes, including the retired Spitzer Space Telescope and its new James Webb Space Telescope in 2024, have studied the Sombrero Galaxy. Each uses different imaging techniques to capture the galactic wonder in a new light.
NASA and the ESA will continue to release more images this year to celebrate Hubble's 35th anniversary. The telescope, sometimes called "The People's Telescope," launched on April 24, 1990.Original article source: Hubble telescope provides fresh look at stunning 'Sombrero Galaxy'
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