A Very Wooly Galaxy

This observation from the international Gemini Observatory — a Program of NSF’s NOIRLab — showcases a flocculent spiral galaxy that lies nearly 12 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor. The word flocculent means “fluffy” or “wooly,” and refers to these galaxies’ strangely tufty appearance when compared to the elegant spiral arms of galaxies such as Andromeda.

The constellation Sculptor lies close to the south Galactic pole. This means that celestial objects within Sculptor — such as NGC 7793 — can be studied by telescopes in Earth’s southern hemisphere, like Gemini South. From its mountaintop perch in the Chilean Andes, Gemini South has a spectacular view of intriguing southern-sky objects such as NGC 7793, the Magellanic Clouds, and the center of the Milky Way.

Credit:

International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA
Acknowledgment: T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF’s NOIRLab), J. Miller (Gemini Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab), M. Zamani & D. de Martin (NSF’s NOIRLab)

About the Image

Id:iotw2136a
Type:Observation
Release date:Sept. 8, 2021, noon
Size:2245 x 1845 px

About the Object

Name:NGC 7793
Distance:12 million light years
Constellation:Sculptor
Category:Galaxies

Image Formats

Large JPEGLarge JPEG
1.8 MB
Screensize JPEGScreensize JPEG
376.1 KB

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Coordinates

ObjectValue
Position (RA):23 57 39.86
Position (Dec):-32° 35' 26.70"
Field of view:5.46 x 4.49 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 180.0° right of vertical


Colors & filters

BandWave-lengthTele-scope
Optical
g
475 nmGemini South
GMOS-S
Optical
r
630 nmGemini South
GMOS-S
Optical
i
780 nmGemini South
GMOS-S