Spiral Galaxy NGC 253 Almost Sideways
Explanation:
NGC 253 is a normal
spiral galaxy seen here almost sideways.
It is the largest member of the
Sculptor Group of Galaxies, the nearest
group to our own
Local Group of Galaxies.
NGC 253,
pictured above, appears visually as one of the brightest
spirals on the sky,
and is easily visible in
southern hemisphere
with a good pair of
binoculars.
The
type Sc galaxy is about 10 million
light years distant.
NGC 253 is considered a
starburst galaxy because of high star formation rates
and dense
dust
clouds in its nucleus.
The energetic nuclear region is seen to glow in
X-ray and
gamma-ray light.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
