Connect with us

Published

on

A comprehensive analysis of the NGC 5018 galaxy group has been conducted, shedding light on its globular cluster (GC) system. Using data from the VLT Survey Telescope (VST), researchers studied this galaxy group, located approximately 132.5 million light years away in the Virgo constellation. The investigation revealed vital details about the clusters’ distribution and interactions within the group. These findings contribute to understanding the formation and evolution of early-type galaxies, where globular clusters play a crucial role.

Insights from the Study on NGC 5018

According to the study, published on the preprint server arXiv, deep imaging data from the VST Elliptical Galaxy Survey (VEGAS) was analysed by a team led by Pratik Lonare of the Abruzzo Astronomical Observatory. As reported by phys.org, the research identified thousands of GC candidates within the NGC 5018 group and highlighted an intra-group GC system. The galaxy NGC 5018 itself displayed a significant overdensity of GC candidates, while other galaxies in the group showed minimal activity.

The radial density profile of GCs in NGC 5018 closely follows its surface brightness, and a major component in its colour profile peaks at 0.75 mag. The study also detected a mix of blue and red GC populations, with peaks at 0.45 and 0.80 mag, respectively. It was noted that blue GCs are more extended compared to their red counterparts, suggesting that tidal interactions may have redistributed some GCs from NGC 5018 into intra-group space.

Significance of the Findings

The research team estimated around 4,000 GC candidates across the galaxy group, with 485 attributed specifically to NGC 5018. This distribution aligns with the intra-group light observed in previous studies. Researchers concluded that tidal forces from neighbouring galaxies might have played a role in dispersing these clusters, offering new perspectives on galaxy group dynamics.

Catch the latest from the Consumer Electronics Show on Gadgets 360, at our CES 2025 hub.


SpaceX Starship’s 7th Test Flight on January 10: Starlink Simulators, Super Heavy Boosters, and More



LG Xboom Buds TWS Earphones, Xboom Bounce, Grab, and Stage 301 Bluetooth Speakers Unveiled at CES 2025

Continue Reading

Science

Scientists Discover New Seismic Clue to Predict Mount Etna Eruptions

Published

on

By

Scientists studying Mount Etna have found that changes in the “b-value” ratio of earthquakes can signal magma movement before eruptions. Using nearly 20 years of data, this discovery could enhance volcanic early warning systems globally, potentially saving lives in regions near active volcanoes.

Continue Reading

Science

SpaceX Launches 10,000th Starlink Satellite, Sets New Annual Record

Published

on

By

SpaceX reached a new milestone by launching its 10,000th Starlink satellite aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on October 19, 2025. The record-setting 132nd launch of the year underscores Starlink’s rapid growth, expanding global internet coverage and strengthening its role as the world’s largest satellite constellation.

Continue Reading

Science

NASA and ESA Trace Mysterious Lunar Flashes to Meteors and Gas Leaks

Published

on

By

Transient Lunar Phenomena are mysterious bursts and glows observed on the Moon, lasting from milliseconds to hours. NASA and ESA research show that these events often result from meteoroid impacts, radon gas outgassing, and dust charged by solar wind, illuminating the Moon’s dynamic surface in surprising ways.

Continue Reading

Trending