NASA shared that the galaxy resides in the constellation Coma Berenices.According to NASA, the constellation’s name originates from a story in which the queen’s court astronomer believed that a missing lock of Berenice’s hair had been placed among the stars by the gods.
Features of spiral galaxy NGC 4689
Described by NASA as a jewel-bright spiral galaxy, NGC 4689 is located 54 million light-years from Earth. The galaxy features a bright core, broad spiral arms containing dark dust threads, and pink spots indicating star formation. A faint halo surrounds the galaxy’s disk, blending into the dark background of space.
Public Reaction
The image of NGC 4689 has captivated internet users, who have shared their admiration and awe. One user described it as “a breathtaking glimpse into the cosmos,” while another commented on the “royal beauty” of the galaxy. Other users expressed their fascination with the galaxy’s starburst regions and praised the image for revealing the wonders of the universe.
NASA’s PREFIRE Mission
In other news, NASA announced on May 26 the launch of the first of two climate satellites designed to study heat emissions at Earth’s poles. The PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission consists of two CubeSats that will measure the amount of heat Earth radiates into space from its coldest regions. Data from this mission will help researchers better predict changes in Earth’s ice, seas, and weather patterns in a warming climate.
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