NGC 253: The Sculptor Galaxy
Explanation:
NGC 253 is not only one of the brightest
spiral galaxies visible,
it is also one of the
dustiest.
Discovered in 1783 by
Caroline Herschel in the constellation of
Sculptor,
NGC 253 lies only about ten million light-years distant.
NGC 253 is the largest member of the
Sculptor Group of Galaxies, the nearest group to our own
Local Group of Galaxies.
The dense dark
dust
accompanies a high
star formation rate, giving
NGC 253 the designation of
starburst galaxy.
Visible in the
above photograph from the
Hubble Space Telescope
is the
active central nucleus,
also known to be a bright source of
X-rays and
gamma rays.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
