Posted on 02/26/2022 4:31:52 PM PST by MtnClimber
Explanation: Large spiral galaxy NGC 4945 is seen nearly edge-on in this cosmic galaxy close-up. It's almost the size of our Milky Way Galaxy. NGC 4945's own dusty disk, young blue star clusters, and pink star forming regions stand out in the colorful telescopic frame. About 13 million light-years distant toward the expansive southern constellation Centaurus, NGC 4945 is only about six times farther away than Andromeda, the nearest large spiral galaxy to the Milky Way. Though this galaxy's central region is largely hidden from view for optical telescopes, X-ray and infrared observations indicate significant high energy emission and star formation in the core of NGC 4945. Its obscured but active nucleus qualifies the gorgeous island universe as a Seyfert galaxy and home to a central supermassive black hole.
For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then move the magnifying glass cursor then click to zoom in and click again to zoom out. When zoomed in you can scan by moving the side bars on the bottom and right side of the image.
Thanks for these breaks of sanity and beauty in the midst of a world going to hell 8n a handbasket.
I just returned from my astronomy club’s first public nite of the year. Since we are on Park District property, the parking lot is well lit. That’s the problem, it’s well lit.
Because it was about 30deg. f, we only had 2 people show up. We showed them the Orion Nebula and some Star clusters in our 10” refractor. After they left, we closed up and went home.
A Moonless night and it was too bright out to take advantage of it. Ah well…🔭
13 million light-years distant is ‘nearby’?...............
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.