Hubble view of galaxy NGC 4710 with x-shaped bulge
This image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows edge-on galaxy NGC 4710. When staring directly at the centre of the galaxy, one can detect a faint, ethereal "X"-shaped structure. Such a feature, which astronomers call a "boxy" or "peanut-shaped" bulge, is due to the vertical motions of the stars in the galaxy's bar and is only evident when the galaxy is seen edge-on. This curious feature is also seen in the Milky Way.
Credit:NASA & ESA
About the Image
| Id: | eso1339d |
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | 12 September 2013, 12:00 |
| Related releases: | eso1339 |
| Size: | 3381 x 1095 px |
About the Object
Wallpapers
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 12 49 38.77 |
| Position (Dec): | 15° 10' 1.65" |
| Field of view: | 2.85 x 0.92 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 70.9° left of vertical |
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
|---|---|---|
| Optical B | 475 nm | Hubble Space Telescope ACS |
| Optical Pseudogreen (B+I) | Hubble Space Telescope ACS | |
| Infrared I | 814 nm | Hubble Space Telescope ACS |