Astronomers Discover Rare Dwarf Galaxy I Zwicky 18 With Bursting Star Formation

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have revealed new insights into the irregular dwarf galaxy known as I Zwicky 18, located 59 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. Published on March 26, 2024, a new image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) showcases the galaxy’s distinct appearance, with sudden bursts of star formation.

I Zwicky 18 stands out due to its low content of heavy elements, reminiscent of galaxies that thrived in the early universe. Much smaller in size compared to our Milky Way, the galaxy’s core exhibits two bright areas teeming with young stars, encircled by gas bubbles heated by intense stellar winds and ultraviolet radiation.

Scientists believe that neighboring galaxies may be responsible for triggering the intense star formation within I Zwicky 18. Discovered in the 1930s by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky, the galaxy has captured the attention of researchers worldwide.

The latest image also unveils hundreds of oval-shaped galaxies in the background, some appearing white while others tinted orange due to their varying distances from Earth. This image is part of a comprehensive study focusing on the life cycle of dust within I Zwicky 18, building upon previous observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope.

As astronomers continue to unravel the mysteries of I Zwicky 18, this newfound understanding holds promise for shedding light on the evolution and dynamics of galaxies in the distant reaches of our universe. Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating astronomical discovery on Insider Wales Sport.