This #HubbleFriday image of galaxy NGC 5238 looks serene, but its cosmic history suggests it may have once swallowed a smaller galaxy.

Astronomers can use Hubble's extraordinary resolution to study the galaxy's stars. One of the features of NGC 5238 that points to a previous galactic merger is the presence of groups of stars with properties different from other stars.

Another sign could be a burst of star formation that occurred during the merger of two galaxies. The Hubble data used for this image will help scientists more accurately understand the history of NGC 5238.

Image description:

A dwarf irregular galaxy is filled with bluish gas clouds and scattered point-like stars. A few glowing red clouds are visible near its centre. Around it are distant galaxies in the background, four-pointed stars in the foreground, and star clusters that are part of the galaxy, visible as bright spots surrounded by smaller stars.

What do you think of this hungry galaxy?