Posted on 08/12/2013 3:44:34 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
Explanation: If not perfect, then this spiral galaxy is at least one of the most photogenic. An island universe of about 100 billion stars, 32 million light-years away toward the constellation Pisces, M74 presents a gorgeous face-on view. Classified as an Sc galaxy, the grand design of M74's graceful spiral arms are traced by bright blue star clusters and dark cosmic dust lanes. Constructed from image data recorded in 2003 and 2005, this sharp composite is from the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys. Spanning about 30,000 light-years across the face of M74, it includes exposures recording emission from hydrogen atoms, highlighting the reddish glow of the galaxy's large star-forming regions. Recently, many astronomers are tracking a bright supernova that has been seen in M74.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage (STScI / AURA)-ESA / Hubble Collaboration; Acknowledgment: R. Chandar (Univ. Toledo) and J. Miller (Univ. Michigan)]
Any who looks at that and understands what they are seeing and thinks we are alone. Is an idiot.
Magnificent!
Thanks again for faithfully posting these. :-)
Another 'perfect spiral'..............
Supernova in this galaxy a few weeks ago. It’s faded now.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/Supernova-Erupts-in-Messier-74-217327171.html
The idiots will show up in force soon, to tell the rest of use we’re going to Hell, and congratulate each other...
Fantastic photograph of American culture.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.