Thursday, October 17, 2013

Ringed Spiral Galaxy NGC 4651

Ringed Spiral Galaxy NGC 4651
Click on the image for full resolution (2.6 MB)

This naturally tinted composite image was produced by combining narrow band data captured through the 8.2 meter Subaru Telescope and Suprime-Cam (NAOJ) with color exposures from the .5 meter Blackbird Observatory Telescope. Located towards the northern constellation of Coma Berenices, NGC 4651 drifts through the Cosmos about 35 million light years from Earth. It's noteworthy for the appearance of a crescent shaped structure extending laterally from an enormous jet that seems to emanate from the star system's heart. Combined, they conjure the appearance of an open umbrella, and its handle, shielding the galaxy from inclement cosmic weather.
Image Credit: Jay GaBany/NAOJ
Image enhancement: Jean-Baptiste Faure

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