Discovery and Observation
Scientists used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope to capture a detailed panoramic image of the Sculptor galaxy, spanning 65,000 light-years, through over 100 exposures stitched together over 50 hours.
Located 11 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor, this starburst galaxy is rich in stellar activity and can be observed with binoculars or small telescopes.
Scientific Insights and Future Research
The galaxy's image, showcasing a vibrant array of colors, provides insights into the age, composition, and motion of its stars, gas, and dust, and has already led to the discovery of 500 planetary nebulae.
This research, highlighting Sculptor's internal structure and building blocks, has been accepted for publication in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, underscoring the galaxy's potential for further study.