Spiral galaxy NGC 4945

Seen edge-on, observations of NGC 4945 suggest that this hive of stars is a spiral galaxy much like our own Milky Way, with swirling, luminous arms and a bar-shaped centre. Sites of active star formation, known as HII regions, are seen prominently in the image, appearing bright pink. These resemblances aside, NGC 4945 has a brighter centre that likely harbours a supermassive black hole, which is devouring reams of matter and blasting energy out into space. NGC 4945 is about 13 million light-years away in the constellation of Centaurus (the Centaur) and is beautifully revealed in this image taken with data in five bands (B, V, R, H-alpha and S II) with the 2.2-metre MPG/ESO telescope at La Silla. The field of view is 30 x 30 arcminutes. North is up, East is to the left.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0931a
Type:Observation
Release date:2 September 2009
Related releases:eso0931
Size:5538 x 5538 px

About the Object

Name:NGC 4945
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral
Distance:13 million light years
Constellation:Centaurus
Category:Galaxies

Mounted Image

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Coordinates

Position (RA):13 5 27.33
Position (Dec):-49° 28' 3.76"
Field of view:21.96 x 21.96 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.0° left of vertical