GALAXIES · 2005-05-05
Face on Barred and Ringed Spiral Galaxy NGC 3351
NGC 3351 is placed side by side in ultraviolet and visible light.
What to observe
- Compare which parts of the ring and spiral structure become prominent in each half.
- Do not treat the ultraviolet panel as a color the unaided eye could see.
Explanation
The Galaxy Evolution Explorer recorded ultraviolet light, while the companion view shows the galaxy in visible light.
Color method
The ultraviolet data is translated into visible display colors so that an otherwise invisible wavelength range can be examined.
Why it matters
A wavelength comparison shows that an object's appearance depends on what the detector is built to receive.
Sources and credits
Asset credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SSC / JPL