- #1
- 4,789
- 3,852
The attached article explains the proposed origin of this nifty ring galaxy.
Wonder-inducing ring galaxy image
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the origin and characteristics of the Cartwheel Galaxy, particularly focusing on the concept of shock waves and their role in the formation of ring galaxies. Participants explore various aspects of the phenomenon, including the implications of shock waves on star formation and the appearance of the galaxy's nucleus.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants reference an article that discusses the proposed origin of the Cartwheel Galaxy.
- One participant questions how shock waves are involved in the formation of the galaxy.
- Another participant suggests that the presence of nova stars and their expanding rings of high-energy particles might relate to the discussion of shock waves.
- Concerns are raised about the appearance of the small nucleus galaxy, which seems undisturbed despite being implicated in creating shock waves.
- Some participants express skepticism about the quality of journalism in the article referenced, suggesting it may not accurately convey the scientific concepts.
- A model is proposed where a shock wave propagates from the center of the galaxy, compressing surrounding gas and triggering star formation, leading to the bright blue ring observed.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the interpretation of shock waves and their effects on the galaxy's structure, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved questions regarding the mechanisms of shock waves and their impact on the nucleus of the galaxy, as well as potential limitations in the sources referenced by participants.
The attached article explains the proposed origin of this nifty ring galaxy.
- #2
Bystander
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
- 5,621
- 1,774
" shock waves " How?
- #3
- 4,789
- 3,852
I do know there are stars that have recently gone nova, and have a ring of high energy particles expanding out into space surrounding them. Possibly this is what is meant. What I do not get is why the small "nucleus" galaxy looks, well, undisturbed, especially if it were the object that created "shock waves" and blown a galaxy apart...
None of this rules out bad journalism in the phys.org article. I will try to find the original from NASA.
Shock waves is a circular link, BTW.
None of this rules out bad journalism in the phys.org article. I will try to find the original from NASA.
Shock waves is a circular link, BTW.
- #4
Bystander
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
- 5,621
- 1,774
"Bad journalism?"jim mcnamara said:
Nah, couldn't be.- #5
- 4,789
- 3,852
This is a NASA discussion of Hoag's Object - a ring galaxy like the cartwheel galaxy pictured above.
https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1747.html
https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1747.html
- #6
phyzguy
Science Advisor
- 5,312
- 2,399
I think the model is that a shock wave is propagating out from the center of the galaxy. As the shock wave travels through the gas surrounding the galaxy, it compresses the gas and triggers a wave of star formation. The bright blue ring you are seeing is from newly formed hot blue stars at the peak of the wave of star formation. Since these hot blue stars are very short-lived, you only see them where the star formation is currently occurring.
Similar threads
- · Replies 9 ·
High School
AI Enhanced image of M87 black hole
- · Replies 0 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 0 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 8 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 2 ·