Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2025 June 8
Grand spiral galaxy NGC 3344 is shown. Spiral arms
with stars, star clusters, and nebula are visible.
Please see the explanation for more detailed information.

Facing NGC 3344
Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA

Explanation: From our vantage point in the Milky Way Galaxy, we see NGC 3344 face-on. Nearly 40,000 light-years across, the big, beautiful spiral galaxy is located just 20 million light-years away in the constellation of Leo Minor. This multi-colour Hubble Space Telescope close-up of NGC 3344 includes remarkable details from near infrared to ultraviolet wavelengths. The frame extends some 15,000 light-years across the spiral's central regions. From the core outward, the galaxy's colours change from the yellowish light of old stars in the centre to young blue star clusters and reddish star forming regions along the loose, fragmented spiral arms. Of course, the bright stars with a spiky appearance are in front of NGC 3344 and lie well within our own Milky Way.

APOD Turns 30!: Free Public Lecture in Anchorage on Wednesday, June 11 at 7 pm
Tomorrow's picture: cosmic double


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