Spiral Galaxy NGC 1309

This pinwheel-shaped spiral galaxy was home to a supernova whose light reached Earth in 2002.

Stunning details of the face-on spiral galaxy, are captured in this color image. Scientists are using the supernova burst, SN 2002fk, which took place in  NGC 1309 to measure the expansion rate of the universe. Light from this explosion reached Earth in September 2002 and NGC 1309 lies 100 million light-years (30 Megaparsecs) from Earth. It is one of approximately 200 galaxies that make up the Eridanus group of galaxies.

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Object Name: NGC 1309

Release Date: Feb 7, 2006

Image Credits: NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA), and A. Riess (STScI)



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