Spiral Galaxy NGC 1087

The spiral galaxy NGC 1087 is found in the constellation Cetus, and has a recession velocity of about 1520 kilometers per second. This galaxy's most notable physical feature is a short rotating bar-like structure of bright stars straddling the galactic center. Although it has a comparatively low surface brightness, the galaxy shone just a bit more brilliantly in August 1995 when one of its massive stars exploded into a Type II supernova.
(6.7 arcmin x 4.8 arcmin image)
Image credit: SDSS Collaboration
Image distributed by: Fermilab Visual Media Services

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