APOD: 2023 March 7 Б Deep Field: The Large Magellanic Cloud
Explanation:
Is this a
spiral
galaxy?
No. Actually, it is the
Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), the largest
satellite galaxy of our own
Milky Way Galaxy.
The LMC is
classified
as a dwarf
irregular galaxy because of its normally
chaotic appearance.
In this deep and wide exposure, however, the full extent of the
LMC becomes visible.
Surprisingly, during longer exposures, the
LMC begins to resemble a
barred spiral galaxy.
The
Large Magellanic Cloud lies only about 180,000
light-years
distant towards the constellation of the
Dolphinfish
(Dorado).
Spanning about 15,000 light-years, the LMC was the site of SN1987A, the brightest and closest
supernova
in modern times.
Together with the
Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), the LMC can
be seen in
Earth's southern hemisphere with the unaided eye.
Your Sky Surprise:
What picture did APOD feature on your birthday? (post 1995)
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.
