Astronomers have recently unveiled a breathtaking panoramic shot of the nearby Sculptor galaxy, showcasing its brilliance in thousands of vibrant colors.

The detailed image, captured by a telescope in Chile and released on Wednesday, is already being used as a comprehensive map of the galaxy.

Using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, scientists spent 50 hours observing the Sculptor galaxy and combined over 100 exposures to create the stunning picture. Spanning 65,000 light-years, the image covers almost the entire galaxy, with each light-year equivalent to 5.8 trillion miles.

Officially known as NGC 253, the Sculptor galaxy is classified as a starburst galaxy due to its intense stellar activity. Situated 11 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor in the Southern Hemisphere, it is easily visible with binoculars or small telescopes.

Enrico Congiu, the lead researcher at the observatory, described the Sculptor galaxy as being in an ideal location for detailed study. He explained that its proximity allows for a close examination of its internal structure and components while still being large enough to observe as a complete system.

According to the scientists, the variety of colors representing stars, gas, and dust in a galaxy provides valuable insights into their age, composition, and movement. The latest snapshot of the Sculptor galaxy showcases thousands of colors, including vibrant purples, pinks, and yellows, far surpassing the limited color range of traditional images.

The research team has identified 500 planetary nebulae in the galaxy, which are clouds of gas and dust emitted by dying stars and serve as important cosmic indicators. Their findings have been accepted for publication in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.