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> Spiral galaxy NGC 253 in Sculptor

Spiral galaxy NGC 253 in Sculptor

author: R.Gendler/U.Jorgensen/ K.Harpsoe/J.Skottfelt/ IDA/Novapix

reference: a-gax02-53010

Image Size 300 DPI: 38 * 20 cm

NGC 253 is a spiral galaxy (about 12 millions light years away), a member of a small group straggling across the southern constellation of Sculptor. It appears elongated because we see it almost edge-on. NGC 253 is a prototypical starburst galaxy.This galaxy is also one of the dustiest galaxies known and much of its internal detail is hidden by obscuring matter which can be seen as dark patches against the background stars. Despite the obscuration, two spiral arms and many bluish clusters of stars can be seen around the edge of the galaxy. NGC 253 is so close to us that some of the brightest stars are apparent as individuals within the spiral arms. Image taken with the ESO/Danish 1.5m telescope at La Silla observatory in Chile.

Keywords for this photo:

2009 - ASTRONOMY - GALAXY - NGC 253 - Sc - SCULPTOR - SPIRAL GALAXY - STAR - STAR FORMATION -