This dwarf galaxy isn't as serene as it might appear in latest Hubble image

A dwarf spiral galaxy with not so bright centre takes centre stage in this latest picture from the Hubble Space Telescope. The galaxy, named IC 3476, lies about 54 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices.

While this galaxy looks almost serene, the actual physical events taking place in IC 3476 are highly energetic. The little galaxy is undergoing a process known as ram pressure stripping, which is driving unusually high levels of star formation within regions of the galaxy itself.

Ram pressure is the pressure exerted on a body such as a galaxy when it moves through some form of fluid like the intergalactic or intracluster medium, due to the overall resistance of the fluid. The process occurs when the ram pressure results in gas being stripped from the galaxy, which can reduce and even completely halt star formation as gas is key to the formation of stars.

On the other hand, ram pressure can also lead to the compression of gas in other parts of the galaxy, fostering an environment ripe for the formation of new stars.

In the case of IC 3476, there seems to be absolutely no star formation going on at the edge of the galaxy bearing the brunt of the ram pressure stripping. In contrast, deeper regions within the galaxy are witnessing star formation rates that are significantly higher than average.

Our ESA/Hubble Picture of the Week features a dwarf galaxy which is not as serene as it might appear 👀. pic.twitter.com/o78qNZn9Ao

— HUBBLE (@HUBBLE_space) February 19, 2024