Tuesday, March 24, 2015

APOD 3.4

See Explanation.  Clicking on the picture will download
 the highest resolution version available.
This fantastic image is not of our own galaxy, but it is extremely similar in form and brilliance, being a grand design spiral galaxy with over 100 billion stars and numerous well-defined spiral arms. NGC 4321 contains clusters of stars that were key in studying to better determine the approximate size and age of the universe. The progression inward from the dark outer arms of the galaxy into the bright core is pleasing to the eye and simultaneously inspires awe in the observer. The dust clouds permeating the entire galaxy provide brilliant contrast with the bright stars seen elsewhere in it.

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