Posted on 9/17/2009, 11:02:03 AM by paul in cape
Ultraviolet Andromeda
Explanation: Taken by a telescope onboard NASA's Swift satellite, this stunning vista represents the highest resolution image ever made of the Andromeda Galaxy (aka M31) - at ultraviolet wavelengths.
The mosaic is composed of 330 individual images covering a region 200,000 light-years wide.
It shows about 20,000 sources, dominated by hot, young stars and dense star clusters that radiate strongly in energetic ultraviolet light.
Of course, the Andromeda Galaxy is the closest large spiral galaxy to our own Milky Way, at a distance of some 2.5 million light-years.
To compare this gorgeous island universe's appearance in optical light with its ultraviolet portrait, just slide your cursor over the image.
Beautiful start to the day!
I would say that God does amazing work on His canvass. The ultimate Artist of astounding beauty.
In this case, visiting today's APOD directly is well worth while:
FWIW, my test for good "seeing" here in northeastern Texas is whether I can easily see M31 with my unaided eyes. ( Really good "seeing" is when I can do so before switching off our Hg-vapor security light...) ;-)
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