A Galaxy on the Edge
Spiral galaxies are some of the most spectacular objects in the sky.
But from Earth they don’t all look the same
Some we see from above​.
This showcases their arms and bright core, but not their 3D shape.
Others we see at an angle.
This reveals the size and structure of their spiral arms.
Then there are spiral galaxies seen edge-on!​ From this angle we can study the distribution of stars and the shape of the disc.
The edge-on galaxy NGC 1055 seen in this new VLT image has odd twists in its disc — signs of past interactions with another nearby galaxy.
Edgy!
Produced by ESO, the European Southern Observatory. Reaching new heights in Astronomy
Produced by ESO, translated by —