NGC1052-DF2, An Ultra-Diffuse Galaxy (IMAGE)

W. M. Keck Observatory

NGC1052-DF2, An Ultra-Diffuse Galaxy

Caption

(Left) The ultra-diffuse galaxy is rich with globular clusters, which hold the key to understanding this mysterious object's origin and mass. (Right) A closer look at one of the globular clusters within the galaxy, which are all much brighter than typically seen, with the brightest emitting almost as much light as the brightest globular cluster within the Milky Way. The spectrum, obtained by Keck Observatory, shows the calcium absorption lines used to determine the velocity of this object. 10 clusters were observed, providing the information needed to determine the mass of the galaxy, revealing its lack of dark matter.

Credit

W. M. KECK OBSERVATORY/GEMINI OBSERVATORY/NSF/AURA/J. MILLER/J. POLLARD

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