A stunning panoramic image of the Sculptor galaxy has been released by astronomers, showcasing the galaxy in thousands of vibrant colors. This detailed map was created using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile, capturing the galaxy in all its brilliance.
Scientists spent 50 hours observing the Sculptor galaxy and combined over 100 exposures to produce the final image. Spanning 65,000 light-years, the picture provides an intricate view of the entire galaxy, officially known as NGC 253.
Located 11 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sculptor galaxy is considered a starburst galaxy, rich in stellar activity. It is easily visible with binoculars or small telescopes.
Enrico Congiu, the lead researcher at the observatory, described the Sculptor galaxy as being in a perfect position for detailed study. The galaxy's diverse range of colors in the image offers valuable insights into its age, composition, and motion.
The image showcases thousands of colors, including shades of purple, pink, and yellow, providing a unique perspective compared to traditional galaxy pictures. The team of astronomers has identified 500 planetary nebulae in the image, which serve as important cosmic markers for their research.
Their findings have been accepted for publication in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, highlighting the significance of this detailed map of the Sculptor galaxy.
Source: Castanet