NGC 1672 facts for kids
NGC 1672 is a special type of galaxy called a barred spiral galaxy. Imagine a giant pinwheel of stars, gas, and dust, but with a straight bar of stars in its center. This amazing galaxy is found in the Dorado constellation, which is a group of stars in the night sky. NGC 1672 is incredibly far away from Earth, about 60 million light-years! That means the light we see from it today started its journey 60 million years ago.
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What is a Barred Spiral Galaxy?
A barred spiral galaxy is a galaxy that has a bar-shaped structure made of stars in its center. From this bar, the spiral arms of the galaxy extend outwards. Our own Milky Way is also thought to be a barred spiral galaxy!
Why do galaxies have bars?
Scientists believe these bars help to move gas and dust towards the center of the galaxy. This gas can then form new stars. The bar also helps to move stars around within the galaxy.
Where is NGC 1672 Located?
NGC 1672 is found in the Dorado constellation. Dorado is a constellation in the southern sky. It is named after the dolphinfish. You can't see it from most places in the northern hemisphere.
How far away is NGC 1672?
This galaxy is about 60 million light-years from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in one year. Since light travels incredibly fast, 60 million light-years is a truly huge distance! It's hard to even imagine how far that is.
Images for kids
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A GALEX ultraviolet image of NGC 1672
