Astr110 Photography Projects, Fall 2006

Deerlick Cluster (NGC 7331), Gabriel Kruis

The Deerlick Cluster contains NGC 7331 (the bright spiral galaxy) and Stephan’s Quartet (four minor galaxies). The cluster is located in the direction of the constellation Pegasus. The cluster was discovered in 1784 by William Herschel. NGC 7331 is 50 million light years away. The galaxy shows prominent star formation in spiral arms and is said to be the twin of our galaxy, the Milky Way. However, the light comes mainly from stars that are older and cooler than our Sun.

Most of the light we receive is not for the stars of this galaxy, but from interstellar dust which is primarily composed of a variety of carbon-based organic molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds create dust granules and gas, which creates a wonderful milieu of raw materials for new stars. Measurements from NASA’s Spitzer observatory suggest that the ring contains enough gas to produce four billion stars like our Sun, making the personal connection for us in the Milky Way of even more importance.  

References:
From NASA's Website

http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA06322

http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04925