The starburst spiral galaxy NGC 1792

Colour composite image of the starburst spiral galaxy NGC 1792 obtained with the FORS1 and FORS2 multi-mode instruments (at VLT MELIPAL and YEPUN, respectively). Its optical appearance of NGC 1792 is quite chaotic, due to the patchy distribution of dust throughout the disc of this galaxy. It is very rich in neutral hydrogen gas - fuel for the formation of new stars - and is indeed rapidly forming such stars. The galaxy is characterized by unusually luminous far-infrared radiation ; this is due to dust heated by young stars. Note the numerous background galaxies in this sky field. North is up and East is to the left.

Credit:

ESO/P. Barthel

About the Image

Id:eso0338b
Type:Observation
Release date:19 December 2003
Related releases:eso0338
Size:2297 x 2304 px

About the Object

Name:NGC 1792
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral
Distance:50 million light years
Constellation:Columba
Category:Galaxies

Image Formats

Large JPEG
1.0 MB
Screensize JPEG
129.2 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
156.9 KB
1280x1024
258.1 KB
1600x1200
416.3 KB
1920x1200
564.8 KB
2048x1536
737.4 KB

Coordinates

Position (RA):5 5 15.05
Position (Dec):-37° 58' 47.25"
Field of view:6.77 x 6.80 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.1° right of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
B
440 nmVery Large Telescope
FORS2
Optical
V
550 nmVery Large Telescope
FORS2
Optical
R
625 nmVery Large Telescope
FORS2