Astronomy Picture of the Day · May 24, 2003

M74: The Perfect Spiral

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 24, 2003 is “M74: The Perfect Spiral,” an image. It is credited to Credit: Gemini Observatory , GMOS Team. The original explanation runs about 143 words.

From the explanation

“If not perfect, then this spiral galaxy is at least one of the most photogenic. An island universe of about 100 billion stars, 30 million light-years away toward the constellation Pisces , NGC 628 or M74 presents a gorgeous face-on view to earthbound astronomers.”

— APOD editors, May 24, 2003

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: May 24, 2003
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Gemini Observatory , GMOS Team
Copyright: No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 143 words

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Topics in this entry

Galaxies

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: May 24 in other years

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, May 24, 2003 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2003-may-24-m74-the-perfect-spiral

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.