The stunning spiral galaxy NGC 253: a spectacular view – 31 Aug. 2025
Among the pale stars of the Sculptor constellation, about 11 million light-years from Earth, shines a celestial gem: NGC 253, a wonderful cosmic island.
The intermediate spiral galaxy NGC 253.
The image above comes from the average of 22, 120-second exposures, remotely taken with the ARTEC250+Paramount ME+C3Pro61000EC robotic unit available as part of the Virtual Telescope Project facility in Manciano, Italy, under the darkest skies of the Italian peninsula.
Discovered in the 18th century by Caroline Herschel, this galaxy is more than a distant object: it is a cosmic laboratory where stars are born at a breathtaking pace, a true starburst paradise. It is classified as an intermediate spiral, between a classic spiral and a barred one.
Its structure appears vividly in the image above, exposing a delicate balance between chaos and harmony: dark lanes of dust embracing luminous regions, enlightening the cosmic night.
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