Infrared/visible light comparison of views of the Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253)

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This image compares infrared and visible views of the Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253). The visible light image (lower) was taken with the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at La Silla in Chile (eso0902). The new infrared image (upper) was taken with the VISTA telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory. In the infrared, the rich dust clouds in the galaxy’s spiral arms become nearly transparent and a whole host of cool red stars that are otherwise invisible can be seen.

Credit:

ESO/J. Emerson/VISTA. Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit

Usage of ESO Images and Videos

About the Image

Id:	eso1025b
Type:	Collage
Release date:	16 June 2010, 12:00
Related releases:	eso1025
Size:	2666 x 3041 px

About the Object

Name:	NGC 253
Type:	• Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral • X - Galaxies
Distance:	13 million light years

Colours & filters

Band	Telescope
Infrared Z	Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM
Infrared Y	Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM
Infrared Near-IR	Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM
Infrared J	Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM
Infrared K	Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM
Optical Oiii	MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope WFI
Optical V	MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope WFI
Optical R	MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope WFI
Optical H-alpha	MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope WFI