Nasa reveals the loneliest galaxy
Astronomers have captured a spectacular image of a 'lonely' galaxy stranded on the edge of an abyss.
The galaxy is located next to a 150 million light year-wide patch of interstellar emptiness called the Local Void.
Perched on its cusp, NGC 6503 - also known as the 'Lost in Space Galaxy' - is thought to be around 18,000 light years away from Earth.
“Although the universe may seem spacious most galaxies are clumped together in groups or clusters and a neighbour is never far away,” Nasa wrote.
“But this galaxy, known as NGC 6503, has found itself in a lonely position.”
NGC 6503 spans some 30,000 light-years, about a third of the size of the Milky Way.
Bright red patches of gas can be seen scattered through its swirling spiral arms, mixed with bright blue regions that contain newly forming stars.
Dark brown dust lanes snake across the galaxy's bright arms and centre, giving it a mottled appearance.
This galaxy does not just offer poetic inspiration; it is also the subject of ongoing research, according to Nasa.
Hubble is exploring a sample of nearby galaxies, including NGC 6503, to study their shape, internal structure, and the properties and behaviour of their stars.
The galaxy's central region is a good example of something known as a 'low ionisation nuclear emission region', or Liner.
These are less luminous than some of the brightest galaxies.
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