Ring galaxy facts for kids
A ring galaxy is a type of galaxy that has a unique ring shape. Imagine a cosmic donut! Two well-known examples are Hoag's Object and NGC 1291. The bright ring part of these galaxies is full of many huge, young, and very bright blue stars. The center of the galaxy, however, has much less bright material.
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How Ring Galaxies Form
Astronomers have a few ideas about how these amazing ring galaxies are made.
The "Cosmic Collision" Idea
Some scientists think that ring galaxies form when a smaller galaxy crashes right through the center of a larger galaxy. Even though galaxies are mostly empty space, like a huge cloud of dust with tiny specks (stars) far apart, a direct hit between stars is rare. But the strong gravity from the passing galaxy can create big ripples. These ripples can cause a wave of new star formation to spread outwards through the larger galaxy, creating the ring shape.
The "Accretion Disc" Idea
Other astronomers believe that rings form around some galaxies when a special structure called an accretion disc is created. An accretion disc is a spinning disc of gas and dust. When this disc forms, it can create shocks and compressions. These powerful forces can then trigger the birth of many new stars, which eventually form the bright ring we see.
Images for kids
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The Vela ring galaxy, next to a bright star called HD 88170.
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Another beautiful Ring Galaxy, known as Zw II 28.
See also
In Spanish: Galaxia anular para niños
