Tadpole Galaxy: Type, Location, Discovery
The Tadpole Galaxy is a distinctive spiral galaxy located in the constellation Draco. Tadpole Galaxy features a tail structure extending from its main body. The Tadpole Galaxy’s shape results from a gravitational interaction with another galaxy. Learn about Tadpole Galaxy’s location coordinates, distance from Earth, and its position to other celestial objects in the Draco constellation. Tadpole Galaxy serves as an example of galactic interactions and their effects on galaxy morphology.
The Tadpole Galaxy is classified as a disrupted barred spiral galaxy. Scientists categorize it as SB(s)c II, indicating its central bar and tail. The Tadpole Galaxy resides in the constellation Draco, a northern sky constellation covering 1,083 square degrees. The Tadpole Galaxy’s coordinates are RA 16h 06m 03.9s, Dec +55° 25′ 32″, pinpointing its location in the night sky.
Astronomers identified the Tadpole Galaxy using the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey conducted in the 1950s. Paul Hickson included the Tadpole Galaxy in his catalog of galaxy groups in 1982. Researchers have studied the Tadpole Galaxy using methods, including optical imaging, ultraviolet imaging, spectroscopy, and numerical simulations.
The Tadpole Galaxy possesses a tadpole-shaped form with a tail of stars. The tail stretches 280,000 light-years in length, resulting from a merger with a smaller galaxy. Numerous compact star clusters and stellar nurseries scatter throughout the galaxy, along the tail. The Tadpole Galaxy’s appearance originates from a collision with an interloper galaxy, triggering star formation.
The Tadpole Galaxy lies 420 million light-years from Earth. NASA reported this distance measurement in 2002, confirmed by Hubble Space Telescope observations. The Tadpole Galaxy is 170 times more distant than the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbor.
What is the Tadpole Galaxy?
Tadpole Galaxy, known as UGC 10214 or Arp 188, is a disrupted barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Draco. Located 420 million light-years from Earth, it features a 280,000 light-year-long trail of stars. This shape resulted from a collision with a galaxy, stripping away material to form the stellar tail.
Galaxies such as the Tadpole Galaxy result from mergers or close encounters between two galaxies. A galaxy is pulled apart during the interaction to form the tail. The UGC 10214 group, which includes the Tadpole Galaxy, contains several smaller galaxies undergoing stages of merging. The Tadpole Galaxy, known as UGC 10214 or Arp 188, has the most mass in the group at 100 billion solar masses.
What type of galaxy is the Tadpole Galaxy?
The Tadpole galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy in the universe. Classified as SB(s)c II, it features a central bar and tail. Located in the Draco constellation, it resides 410 million light-years from Earth. Scientists study the Tadpole galaxy to understand galaxy evolution, interactions, and star formation in the universe.
The Tadpole Galaxy’s features a tail. The tail stretches 280,000 light-years in length, consisting of stars, gas, and dust stripped from the galaxy body. Gravitational tidal forces exerted by the companion galaxy caused the Tadpole’s spiral arms to become disrupted. The bar structure has been affected, resulting in a loss of the galaxy’s original spiral structure. The Tadpole Galaxy’s distorted shape is in its central region, which appears irregular and lacks a clear spiral structure.
Where is the Tadpole Galaxy located?
The Tadpole galaxy resides in the constellation Draco. Draco is a constellation covering 1,083 square degrees in the northern sky. The Tadpole galaxy is located 420 million light-years away from Earth. Its coordinates are RA 16h 06m 03.9s, Dec +55° 25′ 32″ in Draco.
The Tadpole Galaxy has a right ascension of 16 hours 06 minutes 03.9 seconds and a declination of +55 degrees 25 minutes 32 seconds. These coordinates allow astronomers and astrophotographers to locate and observe the galaxy. Its shape resembles a tadpole, featuring an elliptical “head” and a long “tail” of stars stretching 280,000 light-years. The galaxy’s appearance results from gravitational interactions with a smaller companion galaxy, triggering star formation and creating a captivating target for telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope.
Who discovered the Tadpole Galaxy?
Boris Aleksandrovich Vorontsov-Vel’iaminov discovered the Tadpole Galaxy in 1959. Astronomers found it using the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey in the 1950s. Paul Hickson identified it as part of a group in his 1982 catalog. Researchers studied Tadpole Galaxy using optical imaging, ultraviolet imaging, spectroscopy, and numerical simulations.
Astronomers using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey data observed the Tadpole Galaxy in 2001. The 2001 observations revealed the galaxy’s “tadpole-like” morphology in detail. Sloan Digital Sky Survey data showed a tail of stars and gas extending from the galaxy’s main body. The shape of the Tadpole Galaxy is the result of gravitational interaction with a nearby smaller galaxy. Gravitational forces from this interaction triggered a starburst in the Tadpole Galaxy.
When was the Tadpole Galaxy discovered?
The Hubble Space Telescope discovered the Tadpole Galaxy in 2002. The Tadpole Galaxy was identified in 1982 by astronomer Paul Hickson. Hickson included it in his catalog of compact galaxy groups. Tadpole Galaxy has designations UGC 10214 and HCG 31. The Tadpole Galaxy is located 420 million light-years away in the Draco constellation.
Observations of the Tadpole Galaxy can be traced back to the 1950s. Boris Vorontsov-Velyaminov likely observed the galaxy during his studies of galaxy morphology in that decade. Halton Arp included the Tadpole Galaxy in his Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies in 1966, cataloging it among galaxies with peculiar shapes or structures. Paul Hickson identified the Tadpole Galaxy in his Compact Group Catalog in 1982, listing it among groups of associated galaxies.
The 2001 discovery using SDSS data marked a milestone in understanding the Tadpole Galaxy. Astronomers have continued to observe and study the galaxy, known as UGC 10214, over the years.
What are some facts about the Tadpole Galaxy?
The Tadpole galaxy possesses a distorted, tadpole-shaped form unlike any other galaxy. Massive collision with a small interloper galaxy caused its unique appearance. The Tadpole galaxy resides in the constellation Draco, 420 million light-years from Earth. Blue light visibility indicates active star formation. Spiral arms remain visible despite distortion. Numerous compact star clusters scatter throughout the galaxy.
Some facts about the Tadpole galaxy are provided below.
- Tadpole Galaxy location: It is situated in the constellation Draco, 420 million light-years away from Earth.
- Tadpole Galaxy classification: It is classified as a distorted barred spiral galaxy.
- Tadpole Galaxy structure: Features a tail of stars stretching 280,000 light-years in length due to a merger with a smaller galaxy.
- Tadpole Galaxy star formation: Stellar nurseries formed along the tail, resulted from the galaxy collision.
- Tadpole Galaxy discovery: Discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1773.
- Tadpole Galaxy designations: Also known as UGC 10214 and Arp 188.
- Tadpole galaxies in the universe: Formed through galaxy mergers triggering intense star formation.
- Tadpole Galaxy tail: Contains numerous young, bright blue star clusters created from stars stripped during the merger.
- Exposures of Tadpole Galaxy: Reveal thousands of background galaxies, showcasing diverse galaxy shapes and ages.
- Tadpole Galaxy morphology: Despite its tail, it remains classified as a barred spiral galaxy.
What is the size of the Tadpole Galaxy?
The Tadpole Galaxy (UGC 10214) has a diameter of 100,000 light-years. Its debris tail stretches over 280,000 light-years, exceeding 5 times the size of the Milky Way.. UGC 10214 is classified as a massive irregular galaxy with a visual magnitude of 14.4. The galaxy is designated as ARP 188 and PGC 57129.
Scientists estimate its length to be 390,000 light-years and its width to be around 130,000 light-years. These dimensions are based on the galaxy’s distance of 420 million light-years from Earth and its size in the sky.
The Tadpole Galaxy’s size exceeds that of our Milky Way. Its estimated length is 3-4 times greater than the Milky Way’s diameter of 100,000 light-years. The galaxy’s width is 1-2 times larger than our home galaxy.
What is the age of the Tadpole Galaxy?
The Tadpole Galaxy’s age is 420 million years. Scientists estimated this age through observations of stellar populations and star formation history. The Tadpole Galaxy formed around 520 million years ago. Galaxy existed as a spiral for 420 million years before a merger event 100 million years disrupted its structure.
How many stars are in the Tadpole Galaxy?
The Tadpole Galaxy contains 100 million stars. Numerous star clusters populate the galaxy. Many clusters are young and blue, indicating recent star formation. Blue color results from these young clusters. Star clusters play a crucial role in galaxy evolution. The Hubble Space Telescope provided data on star count and properties.
How far is the Tadpole Galaxy from Earth?
The Tadpole Galaxy (UGC 10214) lies 420 million light-years from Earth. NASA reported this distance measurement in 2002. Hubble Space Telescope observations confirmed the 420 million light-year distance. Distance estimates range from 400 to 450 million light-years. The Tadpole Galaxy is 170 times more distant than the Andromeda Galaxy.
Can you see the Tadpole Galaxy through the telescope?
The Tadpole Galaxy’s visibility isn’t clear through telescopes. Observers find it difficult due to its 14.4 magnitude. Larger telescopes with 150x-200x magnification are necessary. Galaxy appears as a smudge against the dark sky. Filters or imaging techniques enhance visibility.
Large professional observatories provide good viewing options for the Tadpole Galaxy. Space-based telescopes like Hubble capture images of the galaxy’s unique structure. Astrophotography with exposure times reveals the galaxy’s elongated shape and tail. Observers using large amateur telescopes of 8-10 inches can spot the Tadpole Galaxy’s central region. Magnifications of 150-200x are optimal for viewing the galaxy’s structure. Magnifications up to 500x show more detail in the Tadpole Galaxy’s tail.
Narrowband filters enhance the visibility of the galaxy’s features. Averted vision techniques help observers detect the faint details of the Tadpole Galaxy. Star charts assist in locating the galaxy’s coordinates: right ascension 16h 06m 03.9s and declination +55° 25′ 32″.
