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> Galaxy NGC 253 in Sculptor

Galaxy NGC 253 in Sculptor

author: R.Jay GaBany/Novapix

reference: a-gax02-53005

Image Size 300 DPI: 31 * 20 cm

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.

Keywords for this photo:

2005 - ASTRONOMY - GALAXY - NGC 253 - Sc - SCULPTOR - SPIRAL GALAXY - STAR - STAR FORMATION -