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Picture gazing into the expanse of space and seeing a galaxy so tidily formed, it’s surreal. That’s what NGC 2985 provides—a stunning spiral galaxy 70 million light-years from the Ursa Major constellation. Captured in stunning detail by the Hubble Space Telescope, NGC 2985 is not just another celestial object—it’s a work of cosmic art, an elegant structure that has withstood the test of time.
In this in-depth article, we’ll take a cosmic ride to delve into NGC 2985—its birth, formation, evolution, and what makes it remain fascinating to astronomers and stargazers alike.
Let’s uncover the mysteries of this ideal spiral galaxy!
1. What is NGC 2985? | A Quick Overview
- Type: Spiral Galaxy
- Location: Constellation Ursa Major
- Distance from Earth: Approximately 70 million light-years
- Discovered by: William Herschel (1788)
- Core feature: Is home to a supermassive black hole (~160 million solar masses)
- Photographer: Hubble Space Telescope with Advanced Camera for Surveys
- Image released: July 15, 2019
NGC 2985 is a quintessential spiral galaxy, features tightly wound, symmetrical arms that emanate from a bright, compact core. Observations of it give scientists significant information about galaxy life cycles, star creation, and cosmic evolution.
2. Discovery of NGC 2985: A 250-Year-Old Story
In 1788, one of the greatest astronomers in history, William Herschel, pointed his telescope toward the constellation Ursa Major and discovered NGC 2985.
At that time, telescopic technology was primitive compared to today, yet Herschel’s keen observational skills allowed him to catalog hundreds of celestial objects, including this dazzling galaxy.
The find was a significant milestone in humankind’s search to explore the universe beyond the Milky Way.
