NGC 1559: The Spiral Galaxy in the Reticulum Constellation

NGC 1559, a stunning barred spiral galaxy located in the Reticulum constellation about 35 million light-years from Earth, shines brightly in this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image. This composite is made up of ten different Hubble images, each capturing light from a specific wavelength. By spanning ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light, astronomers can study various astrophysical processes within the galaxy. A notable feature is the red H-alpha emission, produced by ionized hydrogen atoms in regions of star formation, visible as bright red and pink patches throughout NGC 1559’s spiral arms.

These images were collected over multiple Hubble observing programs, spanning from 2009 to 2024, each aimed at different scientific goals such as studying star formation and supernova follow-ups. The data from these programs is available in the Hubble archive, providing ongoing opportunities for both scientific research and breathtaking visuals. Recently, the James Webb Space Telescope contributed further insights, capturing the galaxy in near- and mid-infrared light, enhancing our understanding of NGC 1559’s complex processes.

Source: NASA