Spiral galaxy NGC 300 (H-alpha band)

NGC 300, as seen through a narrow optical filter (H-alpha) in the red light of hydrogen atoms. A population of intrinsically bright and young stars turned "on" just a few million years ago. Their radiation and strong stellar winds have shaped many of the clouds of ionized hydrogen gas ("HII shells") seen in this photo. The "rings" near some of the bright stars are caused by internal reflections in the telescope.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0221c
Type:Observation
Release date:7 August 2002
Related releases:eso0221
Size:5515 x 4475 px

About the Object

Name:NGC 300
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral
Distance:6 million light years
Constellation:Sculptor
Category:Galaxies

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9.7 MB
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Coordinates

Position (RA):0 54 46.84
Position (Dec):-37° 41' 8.89"
Field of view:21.86 x 17.75 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 1.6° right of vertical

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Optical
H-alpha
MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope
WFI