Currently, sci.esa.int is under review and not being updated. For the latest information and news from ESA science missions and scientific results, please visit esa.int. For a comprehensive overview of ESA’s Science Programme and its missions, please refer to science.esa.int. For in-depth technical information aimed at ESA's scientific communities, you may also wish to consult cosmos.esa.int.

Asset Publisher

Back NICMOS finds a golden ring at the heart of a galaxy (WFPC2 image)

NICMOS finds a golden ring at the heart of a galaxy (WFPC2 image)


Depicts: Galaxy, NGC 4013
Copyright: NASA, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) and ESA

In this visible-light view of the galaxy NGC 4013, the star-forming ring (which is visible in a NICMOS image of the same region) cannot be seen because it is embedded in dust. The most prominent feature in this visible-light image - taken by the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) - is the thin, dark band of gas and dust, which is about 500 light-years thick.

NGC 4013, which looks similar to our Milky Way Galaxy, resides in the constellation Ursa Major, 55 million light-years from Earth.

Last Update: 1 September 2019
11-Apr-2026 23:44 UT

ShortUrl Portlet

Shortcut URL

https://sci.esa.int/s/8JqGGVW

Latest Selection

Also Available As

Related Images

Related Videos

Caption & Press Release

Related Publications

Related Links

See Also

Documentation