NGC 1398 Wall Art Size:SMALL (8 x 8) 7 arcmin 2

7 arcmin 2

An array of distant galaxies are also visible throughout the frame

It is classified as a dark nebula because the dense cloud blocks out the visible light of the glowing gas behind it

causing new stars to form within it

Credit: ESO/G

NGC 1398 Wall Art Size:SMALL (8 x 8) 7 arcmin 2This weeks picture shows spectacular ribbons of gas and dust wrapping around the pearly centre of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1398. This galaxy is located in the constellation of Fornax (The Furnace), approximately 65 million light years away. Rather than beginning at the very middle of the galaxy and swirling outwards, NGC 1398s graceful spiral arms stem from a straight bar, formed of stars, that cuts through the galaxys central region. Most spiral