NASA's Hubble Space Telescope recently unveiled an intriguing image of spiral galaxy IC 3225, located 100 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. The image, shared on October 21, 2024, reveals a striking asymmetry in the galaxy's structure, characterized by a dense spiral arm rich in new blue stars on one side and a chaotic, starless region resembling a tail on the other.
IC 3225 is part of the Virgo Cluster, which comprises over 1,300 gravitationally bound galaxies. The cluster's dense concentration leads to a phenomenon known as the 'intracluster medium,' a flow of hot gas that exists between the galaxies. As IC 3225 orbits the cluster's center, it experiences 'ram pressure,' which strips gas from the galaxy, contributing to its unusual appearance.
Scientists suggest that IC 3225 may have moved away from the cluster's core, leaving behind a trail of gas. Alternatively, its deformed shape could be the result of gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies.
The Virgo Cluster is part of the larger Virgo Supercluster, which spans 100 million light-years and contains more than 100 additional galaxy groups. This supercluster is a component of the Laniakea Supercluster, which encompasses approximately 100,000 galaxies.