The Hubble Space Telescope recently explored a supernova factory, unveiling the wonders of the spiral galaxy UGC 9684 located in the constellation Boötes. This galaxy, situated 240 million light-years away, is renowned for its frequent supernova events and active star formation, capturing the attention of astronomers in recent Hubble observations.
UGC 9684, depicted in a stunning image captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, showcases classic galactic features such as a central bar and a surrounding halo. The galaxy was brought into focus due to a supernova in 2020, marking its significance in astronomical studies.
The motivation behind the Hubble image was a study on the host galaxies of Type-II supernovae, which are catastrophic stellar explosions occurring across the Universe. UGC 9684 has been a hotbed for such events, with multiple supernova-like occurrences observed since 2006, solidifying its status as one of the most active supernova-producing galaxies.
Notably, UGC 9684 is a bustling star-forming galaxy, generating approximately one solar mass of stars every few years. This high level of stellar formation has earned UGC 9684 the title of a supernova factory, attracting astronomers eager to study these extraordinary cosmic phenomena.
