Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Centaurus A: A Peculiar Island of Stars

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 3, 2023 is “Centaurus A: A Peculiar Island of Stars,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: Marco Lorenzi , Angus Lau & Tommy Tse; Text: Natalia Lewandowska ( SUNY Oswego )). The original explanation runs about 159 words.

A long duration image of the unusual galaxy Centaurus A. The galaxy appears as a light oval with a complex dark dust lane running across its center. A starfield surrounds the galaxy. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Marco Lorenzi , Angus Lau & Tommy Tse; Text: Natalia Lewandowska ( SUNY Oswego ) Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Galaxies are fascinating. In galaxies , gravity alone holds together massive collections of stars, dust, interstellar gas, stellar remnants and dark matter.”

— APOD editors, May 3, 2023

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
May 3, 2023
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Marco Lorenzi , Angus Lau & Tommy Tse; Text: Natalia Lewandowska ( SUNY Oswego )
Copyright
Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 159 words

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Topics in this entry

GalaxiesBlack holes

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: May 3 in other years

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Source

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.