Spiral Galaxy NGC 1232 . ... Credit Copyright: FORS1 , 8.2-meter VLT Antu , ESO Explanation: Galaxies are fascinating not only for what is visible, but for what is invisible. Grand spiral galaxy NGC 1232 , captured in detail by one of the new Very Large Telescopes , is a good example. The visible is dominated by millions of bright stars and dark dust , caught up in a gravitational swirl of spiral arms rotating about the center. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...