by What it is: spiral galaxy NGC 1566.
When it was taken: Nov. 3, 2023.
Where it is: 60 million light-years away in the constellation Dorado.
Why it's so special: NGC 1566 is a spiral galaxy whose twirling arms of stars inspired its informal nickname: the "Spanish Dancer."
The Dancer is one of the most visually spectacular galaxies we can see, largely because of its orientation.
While some galaxies are seen side-on from Earth — meaning we only see the thinnest part of the galaxy — NGC 1566 is seen face-on, making its bulge and spiral arms clearly visible.
Source
When it was taken: Nov. 3, 2023.
Where it is: 60 million light-years away in the constellation Dorado.
Why it's so special: NGC 1566 is a spiral galaxy whose twirling arms of stars inspired its informal nickname: the "Spanish Dancer."
The Dancer is one of the most visually spectacular galaxies we can see, largely because of its orientation.
While some galaxies are seen side-on from Earth — meaning we only see the thinnest part of the galaxy — NGC 1566 is seen face-on, making its bulge and spiral arms clearly visible.
Source
