Astronomers have looked towards a cosmic giant. NGC 6872, also known as the Condor Galaxy, is a stunning beauty. Its wingspan of stars stretches across 500,000 light years.
Largest Known Spiral Galaxy in the Universe
The galaxy is at least five times larger than ours. Located about 200 million light years from Earth, it lies within the southern constellation Pavo, also called the Peacock. Its elongated spiral arms look like the wings of a flying bird, making it earn the nickname Condor Galaxy.
The arms are streaked with young blue star clusters. These stellar nurseries show hints of cosmic activity. Researchers think the odd shape is the result of previous encounters. The smaller galaxy IC 4970 formerly tugged at its spiral arms. This gravitational tug-of-war warped the galaxy into its shape today.
A Portrait of the Pavo Galaxy Group
NGC 6872 is part of a larger galaxy family. Several members of the Pavo group can be seen nearby. Among them is the elliptical giant NGC 6876, shining brightly above the Condor Galaxy. Together, they paint a breathtaking picture of the universe's dynamic life.
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