Largest Discovered Galaxy: IC 1101
IC 1101 is currently recognized as the largest known galaxy in the universe. Here's a detailed breakdown of its characteristics and significance.
Location
- IC 1101 is located in the constellation of Virgo.
- It is situated about 1.04 billion light-years away from Earth.
Size and Structure
- The galaxy spans approximately 6 million light-years in diameter.
- To put this into perspective, IC 1101 is about 60 times larger than our Milky Way galaxy.
- It is classified as a supergiant elliptical galaxy.
Stellar Population
- IC 1101 contains an estimated 100 trillion stars.
- This is significantly more than the Milky Way, which has around 100 to 400 billion stars.
Brightness and Mass
- The galaxy is incredibly bright, making it one of the most luminous galaxies known.
- It has a mass that is estimated to be around 400 trillion times the mass of our Sun.
Importance in Astronomy
- Studying IC 1101 helps astronomers understand the formation and evolution of massive galaxies.
- Its size and stellar population provide insights into galaxy mergers and the role of dark matter.
Conclusion
IC 1101 stands as a colossal example of what galaxies can be. Its immense size and complexity continue to intrigue astronomers and enhance our understanding of the universe.