Key Information
Caldwell 21
| Type | Irregular Galaxy |
| Diameter | 20,000 light years |
| Distance | 13 million light years |
| Total Stars | Unknown |
| Date of Discovery | 1788 (William Herschel) |
| Other Names | NGC 4449, UGC 7592, PGC 40973 |
Learning Point
- Discovered in 1788, Caldwell 21, also known as NGC 4449, is a dwarf irregular galaxy overflowing with star formation. Located over 10 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici, this chaotic galaxy is much smaller than our Milky Way but bursts with activity in its dusty pink star-forming regions. This intense process, sometimes referred to as a starburst, makes Caldwell 21 a fascinating target for astronomers studying the birth of stars in galaxies.
Project
- Draw a picture of the Caldwell 21 galaxy.
- Overview
- Real Photo
Location
| Located in | Canes Venatici constellation |
Fun Facts
- Unlike our spiral-shaped Milky Way, Caldwell 21 is a dwarf irregular galaxy, which means it has a jumbled structure.
- This dwarf galaxy is currently undergoing a starburst, a period of intense star formation.
- Interstellar dust, often appearing pink in astronomical images, mixes with the newborn stars, creating a mesmerizing cosmic canvas.
- Within the vastness of space, it’s relatively close to our Milky Way galaxy at about 10 million light years.
Past Lessons
| 197 | October 8, 2024 | (North America) |