M81 galaxy. Optical image of the spiral galaxy M81 (NGC 3031) in the constellation Ursa Major. North is at top. This galaxy lies around 12 million lig

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M81 galaxy. Optical image of the spiral galaxy M81 (NGC 3031) in the constellation Ursa Major. North is at top. This galaxy lies around 12 million light years away, quite close in galactic terms. The spiral arms are dominated by hot young blue stars, and several large pink nebulae are seen, which are enormous starbirth regions. The nucleus appears yellow as it is mainly made up of older stars and dense dust.

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Size: 3666px × 4961px
Photo credit: © TONY & DAPHNE HALLAS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 3031, astronomy, cosmology, galactic, galaxy, m81, ngc, science, spiral