Blue galaxy
NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has provided astronomers with what may be their first direct view of an immense ring of dust which fuels a massive black hole at the heart of the spiral galaxy M51, located 20 million light-years away. Surprisingly, they found that the ring is standing almost perpendicularly to the relatively flat spiral galaxy, like a top spinning on its side with respect to the floor. Even more surprising is the discovery of a secondary ring or dust lane which is contrary to all expectations.
Credit:About the Image
About the Object
Name: | IRAS 13277+4727, M 51, Messier 51, NGC 5194, Whirlpool Galaxy |
Type: | Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral Local Universe : Galaxy : Component : Center/Core |
Distance: | 25 million light years |
Constellation: | Canes Venatici |
Category: | Galaxies |
Coordinates
Position (RA): | 13 29 52.73 |
Position (Dec): | 47° 11' 43.40" |
Field of view: | 0.14 x 0.13 arcminutes |
Orientation: | North is 89.7° right of vertical |
Colours & filters
Band | Telescope |
---|---|
Optical |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC1 |