NGC 5042 is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Hydra, located about 48 million light-years from Earth, known for its vibrant pink H II regions (star-forming clouds) and young blue stars in its arms, contrasting with its ancient, cream-colored core. A recent Hubble Space Telescope image highlights these features, showing brilliant pink gas clouds ionized by ultraviolet light from massive stars, which often form shells around clumps of blue stars, capturing a fleeting moment of galactic life.
Type: Intermediate spiral galaxy (SAB(rs)c).
Location: Constellation Hydra (the water snake).
Distance: Approximately 48 million light-years.
Appearance: Cream-colored center with ancient stars, spiral arms with young blue stars, and brilliant pink H II regions.
Striking Feature: The pink H II regions, which are clouds of ionized hydrogen gas, get their color from the ultraviolet light of hot, massive stars.
Discovery: Discovered by John Herschel on March 25, 1836. Image Credit ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Thilker
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