Spiral galaxy NGC 3628, optical image. This galaxy is seen edge-on from Earth, but its spiral nature can be deduced from the presence of the dark lane

---

Spiral galaxy NGC 3628, optical image. This galaxy is seen edge-on from Earth, but its spiral nature can be deduced from the presence of the dark lane of dust bisecting its disc. It is a member of the Leo Triplet of galaxies, the other two members of which (M65 and M66) are out of view here. Gravitational interactions between the three galaxies has slightly distorted the shape of NGC 3268, warping the disc of the galaxy. The Triplet lies some 35 million light years from Earth, in the constellation Leo.

---

Size: 3945px × 2630px
Photo credit: © RUSSELL CROMAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 2005, 3628, astronomical, astronomy, astrophysical, astrophysics, dust, edge, edge-, galactic, galaxy, lane, leo, ngc, space, spiral, telescope, triplet, universe