Hubble Snaps a Stunning Spiral’s Side
Spiral galaxy UGC 11537 lies so close to the plane of the Milky Way that stars from our own galaxy have crept into the image – the two prominent stars in front of UGC 11537 are interlopers from within the Milky Way.
The spikes surrounding these stars, called diffraction spikes, are the result of starlight interacting with the structure that supports Hubble’s secondary mirror.
The bright bands of stars and dark clouds of dust threading throughout the galaxy are captured here in infrared and visible light.
Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, A. Seth
Read more: go.nasa.gov/31G62zU
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.
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Hubble Snaps a Stunning Spiral’s Side
Spiral galaxy UGC 11537 lies so close to the plane of the Milky Way that stars from our own galaxy have crept into the image – the two prominent stars in front of UGC 11537 are interlopers from within the Milky Way.
The spikes surrounding these stars, called diffraction spikes, are the result of starlight interacting with the structure that supports Hubble’s secondary mirror.
The bright bands of stars and dark clouds of dust threading throughout the galaxy are captured here in infrared and visible light.
Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, A. Seth
Read more: go.nasa.gov/31G62zU
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.
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