A
near-perfect spiral galaxy lies 90 million light years away, its bluish arms
containing rings of star formation.
Stars
within NGC 488 complete circular orbits at a speed of 205 miles per second (330
km/s), edging out the stars traveling at 137 miles per second (220 km/s) within
our own Milky Way. Despite the high speeds, the concentric rings of star formation
remain stable – not unlike a pack of racecars maintaining relative position as
they round a bend on a galactic racetrack.
The bluish
arms are formed by waves of star formation – similar to a stadium crowd doing
the "wave" – rather than the motion of the stars.
– Adam Block and SPACE.com Staff
Credit: Adam Block and Jay GaBany
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