May 19, 2024

Invisible Hydrogen Halo: Revealing a Galaxy’s Hidden Polar Ring

Checking out the Origin of Polar Rings
The existence of polar rings raises interesting concerns. One theory suggests they may form from product drawn out of a galaxy throughout gravitational interactions with a neighboring galaxy. Another possibility is the accumulation of hydrogen gas from the cosmic webs filaments, which then forms a ring around a galaxy. Gradually, a few of this gas might contract gravitationally, resulting in star development.

By NASA
November 25, 2023

Potential polar ring galaxy NGC 4632. The image reveals a gaseous ring perpendicularly flowing the main spiral disk of the galaxy. Credit: Jayanne English (U. Manitoba), Nathan Deg (Queens U.) & & WALLABY Survey, CSIRO/ ASKAP, NAOJ/ Subaru Telescope
Galaxy NGC 4632 harbors a concealed feature unnoticeable to optical telescopes. Polar ring galaxies, known for such distinct developments, are generally identified through starlight observations.
ASKAP and Subaru Telescopes: A Composite View
Astronomers utilized virtual reality technology to distinguish the gas in the galaxys main disk from the ring. The images subtle color gradient maps the rings orbital motion.

Prospective polar ring galaxy NGC 4632. Astronomers used virtual truth innovation to distinguish the gas in the galaxys main disk from the ring. Another possibility is the accumulation of hydrogen gas from the cosmic webs filaments, which then forms a ring around a galaxy.