New Hubble image shows ‘gorgeous’ spiral galaxy shining

Science: A gorgeous spiral galaxy is at the center in a new image taken from the Hubble Space Telescope. The galaxy, known as NGC 5643, is located in the constellation Lupus, about 40 million light-years from Earth. NGC 5643 is referred to as a grand design spiral, which describes galaxies with prominent and well-defined spiral arms.

The Hubble Space Telescope — which observes the universe in visible light wavelengths as well as ultraviolet and near-infrared light — has returned stunning views of NGC 5643, including its two large, twisting spiral arms, bright stellar population and glowing core, according to a statement from the European Space Agency (ESA). (The Hubble mission is a joint effort of NASA and ESA.)

“As striking as the galaxy appears at visible wavelengths, some of the most interesting features of NGC 5643 are invisible to the human eye,” ESA officials said in a statement releasing the new Hubble image.

This showstopper galaxy has two large, winding spiral arms surrounded by young, bright blue stars, interspersed with reddish-brown dust and pink glowing regions of star formation. According to the statement, images of NGC 5643 also showed a particularly bright galactic core, called an active galactic nucleus.

An active galactic nucleus (AGN) appears incredibly bright due to the presence of a central supermassive black hole that is devouring surrounding gas and dust. Through this process, the AGN emits enough radiation to completely outshine the rest of the galaxy.