Scientists are intrigued by a dwarf galaxy called NGC 6789. This tiny galaxy is about 12 million light-years away from Earth, nestled in a barren area known as the Local Void. First spotted in 1883, it recently surprised researchers by still forming new stars. Over the last 600 million years, about 4% of its stars came to be—an unexpected feat given the lack of stellar material or nearby galaxies that typically fuel star formation.
Astronomer Ignacio Trujillo from the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands took on the challenge to find out how this was happening. Using the Two-meter Twin Telescope in Spain, he and his team searched the galaxy’s outskirts for signs of past mergers with other star clusters, which often lead to star growth. They also investigated the galaxy’s core.
Surprisingly, they found no signs of mergers; NGC 6789 appeared untouched. This left scientists pondering how new stars were forming. One theory suggests that leftover gas from the galaxy’s early days is being utilized. Alternatively, it might be pulling in pristine gas from the surrounding space, possibly creating a tiny oasis for star production.
Future studies are essential to unraveling this mystery. Understanding NGC 6789 could offer insights into how galaxies operate in isolation. This phenomenon may also reflect a larger trend in astronomy: some galaxies may defy traditional star formation rules.
Interestingly, NGC 6789 adds to the growing list of galaxies that challenge our understanding. Just last year, the Hubble Space Telescope captured images of a similar galaxy, pushing researchers to rethink how galaxies evolve in isolated environments. As more discoveries unfold, it becomes clear that the universe still holds plenty of secrets.
For more on the fascinating world of galaxies, consider exploring the research published in the American Astronomical Society.
