Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

The Spanish Dancer Spiral Galaxy

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 8, 2023 is “The Spanish Dancer Spiral Galaxy,” an image. It is credited to Image Credit: ESA , NASA , Hubble ; Processing: Detlev Odenthal. The original explanation runs about 162 words.

A majestic spiral galaxy is shown with spirals of bright blue stars, bright red nebulae, and dark dust. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.
Credit: Image Credit: ESA , NASA , Hubble ; Processing: Detlev Odenthal Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“If not perfect, then this spiral galaxy is at least one of the most photogenic. An island universe containing billions of stars and situated about 40 million light-years away toward the constellation of the Dolphinfish ( Dorado ), NGC 1566 presents a gorgeous face-on view .”

— APOD editors, May 8, 2023

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
May 8, 2023
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit: ESA , NASA , Hubble ; Processing: Detlev Odenthal
Copyright
No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 162 words

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Topics in this entry

GalaxiesHubble Space Telescope

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: May 8 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.