Quiz of the Day

I am a Tadpole, but I live where there is no water. Hubble sought me and realized I am a part of draco visible from the north. Who am I?

Answer:

Tadpole Galaxy.

[Image Credits: Tadpole Galaxy (Arp 188).jpg by KuriousGeorge under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons]

The Tadpole Galaxy, also known as UGC 10214, is a striking spiral galaxy located approximately 420 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Draco. It earned its whimsical nickname due to its distinct shape, resembling a tadpole with a long, narrow tail. The Tadpole Galaxy’s appearance is a result of a gravitational interaction with another galaxy, which has caused a tidal tail to stretch out from the main spiral arms.

This captivating galaxy is a prime example of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the cosmos. The gravitational forces at play in such interactions can lead to the formation of new stars and the alteration of a galaxy’s structure. The Tadpole Galaxy serves as a reminder of the complex and intricate dance of galaxies in the vast expanse of the universe, where interactions between these cosmic entities continue to shape and influence their evolution over billions of years.