Messier 77
Explanation:
Face-on
spiral galaxy M77
lies a mere 47 million light-years away
toward the aquatic
constellation Cetus.
At that estimated distance,
the gorgeous
island universe is
about 100 thousand light-years across.
Also known as NGC 1068, its compact and very bright core
is
well studied
by astronomers exploring the
mysteries of supermassive black holes
in active
Seyfert
galaxies.
M77 is also
seen at x-ray, ultraviolet, infrared, and radio wavelengths.
But
this sharp visible
light image based on Hubble data follows its winding
spiral arms traced by obscuring dust clouds and
red-tinted star forming regions close in to the galaxy's luminous core.
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.
