images

Galaxy NGC 253 in Sculptor

by

J.Lodriguss/Novapix

Reference

a-gax02-53003

Date

2006-09-07

NGC 253 is a spectacular starburst spiral galaxy that is choked with dust. Located about 8 million light years away in the constellation of Sculptor, it is the nearest starburst galaxy to our own Milky Way galaxy. It is called a "starburst" galaxy because of the extremely high rate of star formation taking place in its core. Although located at a fairly low declination for northern hemisphere observers, NGC 253 is easily visible in binoculars, and is an amazing sight in a large telescope.