A galactic rejuvenation

Astronomers observing the galaxy NGC 1386, located 53 million light-years away, have discovered a unique pattern of star formation. Using data from ALMA, the VLT Survey Telescope, and other instruments, they found a central blue ring filled with young stars that all formed nearly simultaneously 4 million years ago—a rare synchronized event for a galaxy with mostly older stars. Also, ALMA data revealed gas clouds forming a golden ring, suggesting a new wave of star formation may begin in about 5 million years. Credit: ESO/ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/A. Prieto et al./Fornax Deep Survey