This CCD image shows the bright spiral galaxy M88
(NGC 4501) in Virgo. This galaxy shows a beautiful and intricate
interplay between bright star-forming regions and dark dust lanes
tracing the spiral pattern.
This color composite is from a 5-minute blue-light exposure taken during twilight with a Tektronix 2048x2048 CCD at the 2.1-meter telescope of Kitt Peak National Observatory, by Bill Keel and Lisa Frattare. North is at the top and east to the left, for direct comparison with a chart or eyepiece view. The image has been block-averaged by a factor of 2 for this presentation (click for full size), which uses a logarithmic intensity transformation to preserve information across a wide dynamic range. The field is 4.6 arcminutes high.
Last changes: 7/2003 © 2003