NGC 253: Dusty Island Universe

NGC 253 is sometimes referred to as the Silver Dollar Galaxy. This is one of the brightest spiral galaxies visible. Caroline Herschel first discovered this galaxy from mathematical calculations. This constellation lies 10 million light years away at the southern tip of Scultpor. NGC 253 is the is largest member of the sculptor's galaxies at 70 thousand light years and is the nearest to our own local galaxies. Tendrils of dust seem to be rising along the spiral lanes located within the galaxy. Becuase of the ample amount of dust within the galaxy, NGC 253 is a starburst galaxy promoting the creation of new stars. A black hole, near the center of the galaxy is the cause of high x-rays emitting from this galaxy.