![Request for Information – Potential [Placeholder for Prize]](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/psd/solar/2023/09/s/solarsystem_0.jpg?w=1024)
APOD
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
NGC 253 Close-Up
Explanation: This dusty island universe is one of the brightest spiral galaxies in the sky. Seen nearly edge-on, NGC 253 lies a mere 13 million light-years away and is the largest member of the Sculptor Group of galaxies, neighbor to our own local galaxy group . The remarkably sharp, close-up view is based on data from the Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys ( ACS ). Beginning on the left near the galaxy's core, the panorama follows filaments of dust, interstellar gas, and even individual stars toward the galaxy's edge at the far right, a magnificent vista spanning nearly 50,000 light-years. The image data are part of ANGST , the ACS Nearby Galaxy Survey Treasury , a program to explore our cosmic backyard .
| Date | October 2, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Credit |
Credit: NASA , ESA , J. Dalcanton, B. Williams ( Univ. Washington ) Ground-based data: T. Rector ( Univ. Alaska, Anchorage ), T. Abbott, NOAO/ AURA /NSF |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |