Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

October 1, 1995

Central Galactic Star Bursts
Credit: NASA, HST, WFPC 2, J. Gallagher, (U. Wisconsin-Madison)

Explanation: The pictured core of the galaxy NGC 253 shows an exceptionally high rate of star formation. In the centre are some of the densest knots of stars ever found, surrounded by glowing gas and dust lanes. Galaxies where such high star formation rates are seen are called "starburst" galaxies. The unusual colour is a combination of the light emitted from the young, hot, blue stars and their associated emission and reflection nebulae.

Tomorrow's picture: Phobos: Doomed Moon of Mars

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Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (USRA)
NASA Technical Rep.: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA/ GSFC
&: Michigan Tech. U.