Optical image of M101, the Pinwheel Galaxy

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Optical image of M101, the Pinwheel Galaxy

Pinwheel galaxy. True-colour optical image of the spiral Pinwheel galaxy M101 (NGC 5457) in the constellation Ursa Major. This large and bright spiral galaxy lies around 20 million light years away. It is much larger than our own Milky Way; around 200, 000 light years in diameter, and having a mass of about 300, 000 million solar masses. The Milky Way is about 110, 000 light years across, and has a mass 100, 000 million times that of the Sun. The bright regions in its arms are huge star birth areas of glowing hydrogen gas, some over 3000 light years across. This image was produced by digitally combining photographs taken by the Palomar Schmidt Telescope in blue and red light

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Media ID 6443169

© CELESTIAL IMAGE CO./SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Cosmology Galactic Galaxy Pinwheel Galaxy Spiral Spiral Galaxy M101 Ngc 5457

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> Science > Space Exploration > Milky Way

> Science > Space Exploration > Telescopes Optical

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty of M101, also known as the Pinwheel Galaxy. Located approximately 20 million light years away in the constellation Ursa Major, this true-color optical image reveals a stunning spiral galaxy that surpasses even our own Milky Way in size and mass. With a diameter of around 200,000 light years and a mass equivalent to 300,000 million solar masses, M101 is truly an astronomical marvel. In comparison, our Milky Way spans about 110,000 light years across and has a mass 100,000 million times that of our Sun. The vibrant arms of M101 are adorned with luminous patches where new stars are born. These bright regions consist of colossal star birth areas composed of glowing hydrogen gas spanning over an astonishing 3000 light years. To create this awe-inspiring image, photographs taken by the Palomar Schmidt Telescope were digitally combined in both blue and red light. The result is a breathtaking visual representation that allows us to appreciate the grandeur and complexity of this galactic masterpiece. As we gaze upon this photograph from Science Photo Library's collection on science, astronomy, cosmology, and galactic wonders like M101 or NGC 5457 (commonly referred to as the Pinwheel Galaxy), we are reminded once again of the vastness and splendor present within our universe.

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