Stunning photo mosaic of neighbouring Andromeda Galaxy captures the glow of 200 million stars
Astronomers have recently released the most detailed image of the Andromeda galaxy to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Edwin Hubble’s groundbreaking discovery that our Milky Way galaxy is not alone in the vast universe. This new image offers valuable insights into the evolutionary history of the Andromeda galaxy, shedding light on its past mergers with other galaxies.
Edwin Hubble, after whom the Hubble Space Telescope is named, played a crucial role in expanding our understanding of the universe’s size and dynamics. In 1925, Hubble used the world’s largest telescope at the time, the 2.5-meter Hooker telescope at the Mount Wilson Observatory in California, to measure the distance to a fuzzy object in the constellation of Andromeda. This led to the discovery of a Cepheid variable star named V1, which indicated that Andromeda was an entirely separate galaxy from our own Milky Way.
By identifying the vast distance between Andromeda and our galaxy, Hubble revolutionized our perception of the universe. Just as the ancient Greek mathematician Eratosthenes revealed the Earth’s true size over 2,000 years ago, Hubble’s discovery of distant galaxies expanded our cosmic perspective.
The new image of Andromeda, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, showcases 200 million individual stars, providing a glimpse into the galaxy’s complex history. This composite image required over 1,000 orbits around Earth and combines 600 separate fields of view, enabling astronomers to study Andromeda’s past interactions with other galaxies.
Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has allowed scientists to measure the age of the universe at 13.8 billion years. Furthermore, Hubble data contributed to the discovery of dark energy, a mysterious force accelerating the universe’s expansion. Recent measurements have revealed unexpected discrepancies in the universe’s rate of expansion, known as the “Hubble tension,” posing new challenges for cosmology.
Despite our advancements in understanding the universe, there remains much to learn, such as the origins of dark energy and dark matter, the universe’s inception, and potential pre-existing conditions. Edwin Hubble’s legacy reminds us of the vast mysteries awaiting exploration in the cosmos, inspiring us to push the boundaries of our knowledge.
As we marvel at the intricate details of the Andromeda galaxy captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, we honor the pioneering spirit of Edwin Hubble and his transformative contributions to astronomy. The universe continues to unveil its wonders, inviting us to embrace the boundless possibilities of discovery.
