Astronomers have released an ultra-detailed image of the Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253), captured using the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile.
The image, which took 50 hours of observation, spans approximately 65,000 light-years, offering an unprecedented view of the galaxy's structure and composition.
This image allows scientists to study star formation, interstellar gas movement, and stellar composition in detail.
Located about 11 million light-years from Earth, NGC 253 is a barred spiral galaxy, similar in size to the Milky Way.
Researchers have identified nearly 500 planetary nebulae in the image, which serve as cosmic distance markers.
The research, led by Enrico Congiu, has been accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics, providing insights into the evolution of star-forming galaxies.
This image highlights global collaboration in astronomy, using advanced technology to explore the universe.