'Supernova Galaxy Revealed': Hubble showcases NGC 4900, home of stellar explosions
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Credit: NASA
Cosmic Illusion
A brilliant Hubble image shows a spiral galaxy and star seemingly entwined, but they are millions of light-years apart, a reminder of space’s deceptive depth.
Credit: NASA, ESA
Stellar Trickery
Though NGC 4900 and a bright star appear side by side, the star is just 7,109 light-years away, while the galaxy lies a staggering 45 million light-years distant.
Credit: NASA, ESA
Galactic Beauty
Captured in sharp detail, spiral galaxy NGC 4900 dazzles with swirling arms, once home to a supernova, revealing cosmic birth and death cycles.
Representative pic
Hubble's Legacy
Blending data from two iconic instruments, ACS and WFC2, this image spans 20 years of Hubble's work, showcasing the telescope's enduring scientific power.
Supernova Secrets
NGC 4900 hosted SN 1999br, a supernova that let scientists trace the star's explosive past, shedding light on how massive stars end their lives.
Representative pic
Death and Rebirth
These Hubble observations help scientists track supernova origins, piecing together how dying stars shape galaxies like NGC 4900.
Foreground Star
The bright star, marked by signature diffraction spikes, belongs to our own Milky Way, framing the distant galaxy like a cosmic coincidence.
Representative pic
Explosive Clues
Studying galaxies like NGC 4900 before and after supernovae helps identify doomed stars, offering a window into stellar evolution and destruction.
Timeless Vision
Collected over decades, this composite image reflects Hubble’s unmatched ability to capture deep space — merging past and present science into a breathtaking view.