Planetary Nebulas Explorer

In this composite image, a large spiral galaxy has some of its superheated gas stolen by a smaller, nearby neighbor. Centered in the frame, NGC 6872 is a large spiral galaxy with two elongated arms that stretch toward our upper right and lower left. Near the white dot at the heart of the galaxy, a cloud of neon purple tints the arms, which appear steel blue at the tips. The purple represents hot gas detected by Chandra. Just to the upper left of NGC 6872 is a second spiral galaxy. Its spiraling arms are much smaller, but the bright white dot at its core is quite large, suggesting a supermassive black hole. Some of the steel blue matter and gas from NGC 6872's lower arm appears to be floating toward the smaller galaxy, likely pulled toward the supermassive black hole.

Galaxies

Opens your eyes to the universe's structure—gain insights into the origins of the cosmos, how stars and planets form, and how the universe evolves.

Messier 51 (Whirlpool Galaxy)

The Whirlpool Galaxy is a grand design spiral galaxy interacting with a smaller companion galaxy. Its prominent spiral structure makes it one of the most photographed galaxies.

Distance: 23 million light-years

Explore Messier 51 (Whirlpool Galaxy)