images

Spiral galaxy NGC 300 in Sculptor

by

Anglo-Australian Observatory/David Malin Images/Novapix

Reference

a-gax03-00005

Date

2006-09-15

NGC 300 is among the least conspicuous members of a sparse cluster of galaxies that are scattered across the south galactic pole. The three photographic plates from which this picture was made have been specially enhanced to emphasise the delicate structure of the galaxy, revealing that the light of the spiral arms is dominated by young, blue stars. Here and there along the arms, indeed largely responsible for defining them, are denser clumps of stars, some still associated with the gas from which they formed. Many stars are clearly visible as individuals, for the Sculptor Group is relatively nearby, about 8 million light years away.