Starburst Galaxy NGC 4449
An explosive array of bright pinks and blues makes for a remarkable sight in this image captured with the Gemini North telescope, one half of the International Gemini Observatory. Resembling a cloud of cosmic confetti, this image is being released in celebration of Gemini North’s 25th anniversary. NGC 4449 is a prime example of starburst activity caused by the interacting and mingling of galaxies as it slowly absorbs its smaller galactic neighbors.
Credit:International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA
Image Processing: J. Miller (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab), M. Rodriguez (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab), T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab), M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)
Acknowledgements: PI: P. Frank Winkler (Middlebury College), Knox S. Long (STScI/Eureka Scientific Inc), and William P. Blair (Johns Hopkins University)
About the Image
| Id: | noirlab2416a |
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | June 25, 2024, 10 a.m. |
| Related releases: | noirlab2416 |
| Size: | 1876 x 1923 px |
About the Object
| Name: | NGC 4449 |
| Distance: | 12 million light years |
| Constellation: | Canes Venatici |
| Category: | Galaxies |
Wallpapers
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 12 28 8.47 |
| Position (Dec): | 44° 5' 30.52" |
| Field of view: | 5.05 x 5.17 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 90.0° right of vertical |
Colors & filters
| Band | Wave-length | Tele-scope |
|---|---|---|
| Optical r | 630 nm | Gemini North GMOS-N |
| Optical SII | 672 nm | Gemini North GMOS-N |
| Optical H-alpha | 656 nm | Gemini North GMOS-N |