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. 2007 December
1 Explanation: If not perfect, then this spiral galaxy is at
least one of the most photogenic. An island universe of about
100 billion stars, 32 million light-years away toward the
constellation Pisces, M74 presents a gorgeous face-on view.
Classified as an Sc galaxy, the grand design of M74's graceful
spiral arms are traced by bright blue star clusters and dark
cosmic dust lanes. Constructed from image data recorded in 2003
and 2005, this sharp composite is from the Hubble Space
Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys. Spanning about 30,000
light-years across the face of M74, it includes exposures
recording emission from hydrogen atoms, highlighting the reddish
glow of the galaxy's large star-forming regions. Authors &
editors: Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman
Specific rights apply. A service of: ASD at NASA