APOD 4.4

In this image,"Virgo Cluster Galaxy NGC 4731", the spiral galaxy NGC 1055 is clearly prominent. NGC 1055 rests 60 million light years away and is a dominant part of a small galaxy group near the constellation Cetus. The galaxy spans 100,000 light years, comparable in size to our own Milky Way Galaxy. The stars in the foreground appear spiky and colorful. This "spiky" appearance is actually caused by light deflecting as it passes by the support rods of the reflecting telescope. The spikes steal light away from the central images. In the background of the image are more distant galaxies and also a box shaped inner halo. The halo extends beyond this galaxy's dusty plane.10 billion years ago a a satellite galaxy was disrupted by the larger spiral.