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> Spiral galaxy M74 in Pisces

Spiral galaxy M74 in Pisces

author: A.Block/MLSC/Univ.of Az/Novapix

reference: a-gax06-28008

Image Size 300 DPI: 32 * 30 cm

Viewed face on, as it appeared about 30 million years ago, M74 is considered to be one of the most photogenic spiral galaxies in the sky. The galaxy is rich in young bright blue stars and glowing red regions of dust and molecular hydrogen where new stars are being created. M74, however, is quite camera shy- it has a low surface brightness that makes it challenging for both visual observers and astrophotographers to see it's entire form. The Chandra X-Ray observatory, discovered M74 to be the home of a super massive black hole, tucked away in one of it's outer arms. This black hole is one of the largest ever discovered and has the mass of over 10,000 suns.

Keywords for this photo:

2013 - ASTRONOMY - GALAXY - M74 - NGC 628 - PISCES - Sc - SPIRAL GALAXY - STAR -