NASAs Hubble Space Telescope has actually trained its razor-sharp eye on one of the universes most photogenic and majestic galaxies, the Sombrero galaxy, Messier 104 (M104). The galaxys hallmark is a brilliant white, bulbous core surrounded by the thick dust lanes consisting of the spiral structure of the galaxy. Seen from its edge, the Sombrero galaxy is located simply 28 million light-years away and looks larger than the Little Sombrero.
Hubble Space Telescope image of galaxy NGC 7814, understood as the “Little Sombrero.” Credit: NASA, ESA, and R. de Jong (Leibniz-Institut fur Astrophysik Potsdam); Image processing: G. Kober (NASA Goddard/Catholic University of America).
NASAs Hubble Space Telescope has enabled astronomers to view galaxies of all sizes and shapes from nearly every angle. When a galaxy is seen edge-on, the mesmerizing perspective reveals a spectacular piece of deep space. The “Little Sombrero,” also known as NGC 7814 or Caldwell 43, is one such galaxy.
Set versus a speckled background of more remote galaxies, the Little Sombrero features an intense main bulge, a thin disk complete of dust, and a glowing halo of gas and stars that stretches out into space. It lies approximately 40 million light-years from Earth, extends 80,000 light years broad, and is billions of years old.
NASAs Hubble Space Telescope has actually trained its razor-sharp eye on one of the universes most magnificent and photogenic galaxies, the Sombrero galaxy, Messier 104 (M104). The galaxys trademark is a dazzling white, round core surrounded by the thick dust lanes comprising the spiral structure of the galaxy. As seen from Earth, the galaxy is tilted almost edge-on. We view it from just 6 degrees north of its equatorial airplane. This fantastic galaxy was called the Sombrero because of its resemblance to the broad rim and high-topped Mexican hat. Credit: NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA).
The dusty spiral is called after the grander-appearing Sombrero galaxy (image above), which resembles a broad-brimmed Mexican hat. Seen from its edge, the Sombrero galaxy is situated just 28 million light-years away and looks larger than the Little Sombrero. In truth, they are almost the exact same size, but the Sombrero appears bigger since it is better.
This image of the Little Sombrero is a combination of visible and infrared observations recorded by Hubbles Advanced Camera for Surveys in 2006. The observations were taken to assist astronomers in studying the galaxys excellent populations, and to assist shed light on the advancement of this galaxy and others like it.