Image 5-3
Spiral Galaxy M74

This is an image of a spiral galaxy known as M74. It is a classic example of a spiral galaxy and is located in the constellation Pisces. This image reveals subtle details in the galaxy. Bright knots of glowing gas light up the spiral arms. The center of the galaxy glows yellow with the light of old stars. In contrast, the spiral arms glow blue from younger stars. Bright pink spots are areas of ionized hydrogen gas. Dark lanes of dust wind through the spiral arms. M74 is slightly smaller than our own Milky Way. It is located about 32 million light years from Earth and is home to over 100 billion stars.