This lonely galaxy once hosted catastrophic stellar explosion | Check out this Hubble image

In this latest breathtaking image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, the spiral galaxy NGC 298 shines radiantly. Located nearly 89 million light-years away in the constellation Cetus, this galaxy appears lonely - accompanied only by a few distant galaxies and foreground stars.

Despite its tranquil appearance, NGC 298 once hosted one of the most extreme astronomical events in 1986 - a catastrophic stellar explosion known as a Type II supernova. This dramatic explosion begins when a massive star, typically more than eight times the mass of our Sun, exhausts its nuclear fuel. At this stage, the core of the star collapses under its own gravity, releasing an immense amount of energy, causing the outer layers of the star to be expelled in a powerful explosion.

By observing the surrounding region of supernova explosions, scientists can uncover traces of the progenitor star's history preserved within the lost mass. Furthermore, they can uncover any companion stars that managed to survive the cataclysmic event.

Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) captured this image of NGC 298 as part of an investigation into the origins of Type II supernovae. 

Hubble utilized the brief intervals between its scheduled observations to delve into the aftermath of various Type II supernovae, aiming to unravel the intricate relationship between these explosive phenomena and the stellar systems that give rise to them.

Our ESA/Hubble Picture of the Week features the spiral galaxy NGC 298 🌌 located around 89 million light-years away in the constellation Cetus. Read more: 🔗 https://t.co/UBFZX26uh1 or 👇 pic.twitter.com/mBUnkGMmG3

— HUBBLE (@HUBBLE_space) May 29, 2023

Launched into orbit in 1990, Hubble is a powerful space-based observatory that has captivated both the public and the scientific community with its stunning images of the universe. Its discoveries and images have not only revolutionized our knowledge but also inspired awe and wonder about the vastness and beauty of the cosmos.