galex_glx2008-02r_img02 October 31st, 2008
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/DSS
The "Ghost of Mirach" galaxy is shown in ultraviolet as seen by NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer. The Ghost of Mirach -- a galaxy called NGC 404 -- is seen as the whitish spot in the center of the image. Mirach is a red giant star that looms large in visible light. Because NGC 404 is lost in the glare of this star, it was nicknamed the Ghost of Mirach.
But when the galaxy is viewed in ultraviolet light, it comes to "life," revealing a never-before-seen ring. This ring, seen in blue in the picture on the right, contains new stars -- a surprise considering that the galaxy was previously thought to be, essentially, dead.
The field of view spans 55,000 light years across. The Ghost of Mirach is located 11 million light-years from Earth. The star Mirach is very close in comparison -- it is only 200 light-years away and is visible with the naked eye.
Provider: Galaxy Evolution Explorer
Image Source: /image/galex/glx2008-02r_img02
Curator: Spitzer Space Telescope, Pasadena, CA, USA
Image Use Policy: Public Domain
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