Thin side view of a galaxy, surrounded by dark plumes of gas and dust, blocking most of the stars on the outer edges. But in the center, a bright white light which is the core of the galaxy.

Hubble Caldwell 38, The Needle Galaxy

Caldwell 38 is nicknamed the Needle galaxy, because in most telescopes it looks as thin and sharp as a pin. It is a spiral galaxy, but because it is seen almost perfectly edge-on, its spiral structure is concealed. This Hubble image, taken with the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2, provides a detailed look near the galaxy’s core, which is largely obscured by thick ribbons of dust in the spiral arms.

Credits: NASA, ESA, and K. Ashman (University of Missouri); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)
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Image CreditNASA, ESA, and K. Ashman (University of Missouri); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)
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