Hubble peeks into a ghostly galaxy, 44 million light

The European Space Agency (ESA) has shared an awe-inspiring snapshot of the lenticular galaxy NGC 6684 which lies a staggering 44 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo. Captured by the renowned Hubble Space Telescope, the image offers an enthralling glimpse into the galaxy's unique features.

NGC 6684 is neither elliptical nor spiral. What distinguishes this galactic wonder is its conspicuous lack of spiral arms, which are commonly associated with spiral galaxies. Instead, it boasts a large disc, giving it a ghostly and ethereal appearance.

The captivating image of NGC 6684 is the product of the "Every Known Nearby Galaxy" census that aims to meticulously observe and document all galaxies within a radius of 32.6 million light-years, unravelling the mysteries that shroud these cosmic entities.

Prior to this, the Hubble Space Telescope had managed to capture visuals of approximately 75% of the galaxies. By successfully completing this census, astronomers expect to gain profound insights into the intricate structures of diverse galaxies, each thriving in distinct cosmic environments.

Our ESA/Hubble Picture of the Week showcases the lenticular galaxy NGC 6684, located 44 million light-years away. Read more: https://t.co/S62AsQUnhx or 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/akl5mkYnea

The Hubble Space Telescope is a powerful space-based astronomical observatory that orbits Earth. The telescope has been instrumental in revolutionizing our understanding of the universe since its launch on April 24, 1990. Operated by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), Hubble has provided astronomers with a remarkable vantage point above Earth's atmosphere, enabling it to capture incredibly detailed and clear images of distant celestial objects.