Spiral galaxy M74 in visible and UV

by: Nasa/Novapix
Reference: a-gax06-28003
Date: 2006-09-07

Located in the constellation of Pisces the Fish, the telescopic object Messier 74 is one of the finest examples of a giant spiral galaxy seen nearly face-on. In this composite image of M74, the visible-light emission is represented in red, while the UV emission is shown in blue-white tints. Newborn hot stars and associated nebulosity dominate the near-UV emission. The concentration of this starbirth activity along the spiral arms is indicative of global dynamic processes at work. M74 estimated distance is 24 million light years.

Contact →