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How big is NGC 3310?

NGC 3310 is 290 examètres

Introduction to NGC 3310

Have you ever wondered how big the universe is? Or how we, as humans on Earth, compare to the vast expanse of space? Let’s voyage into the cosmos and explore one of its many fascinating galaxies: NGC 3310. This grand design spiral galaxy is located in the constellation Ursa Major and is known for its starburst activity.

Size of NGC 3310

When it comes to size, NGC 3310 is quite impressive. The galaxy spans approximately 22,000 light-years across. To put that into perspective:

  • If you were to travel at the speed of light (about 186,282 miles per second), it would take you 22,000 years to go from one side of the galaxy to the other.
  • It’s around 220 times the size of our Milky Way Galaxy’s diameter, which is about 100,000 light-years.
  • It’s almost 5 million times the distance from the Earth to the Sun, which is about 93 million miles.

Starburst Activity in NGC 3310

NGC 3310 is more than just its size. It’s a starburst galaxy, which means it’s a site of intense star formation. This galaxy is believed to have collided with one of its satellite galaxies about 100 million years ago. This massive event triggered widespread star formation, and the ring clusters of NGC 3310 have been undergoing this starburst activity for at least the last 40 million years. Imagine millions and millions of stars lighting up the galaxy in a brilliant display!

Supernovae in NGC 3310

Adding to the galaxy’s intrigue, three supernovae have been discovered in NGC 3310. Supernovae are massive explosions that occur at the end of a star’s life cycle. They’re some of the most powerful events in the universe, so bright that they can briefly outshine an entire galaxy. The most recent supernova, SN 2021gmj, was discovered in March 2021.

NGC 3310’s Distance from Earth

So, how far away is this massive, star-producing galaxy? NGC 3310 is thought to be approximately 46 million light-years away from Earth. That’s a distance so vast it’s almost impossible to comprehend.

Conclusion

The universe is filled with wonders, and NGC 3310 is just one of them. Its impressive size, intense starburst activity, and the discovery of supernovae make it a fascinating subject of study. As we continue to explore the cosmos, who knows what other incredible facts we’ll uncover about NGC 3310 and other galaxies like it!

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