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Heart of the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
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ABOUT THIS IMAGE
This image of the center of the Whirlpool Galaxy shows visible light from starlight, and light from the emission of hydrogen. Bright star clusters, highlighted in red, shed light emitted by hydrogen atoms. Intricate "dust spurs" branch out around the main spiral arms.
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Hubblesite's Newscenter is the place to find the story behind this image, along with its original news release and all related images.
Image Credit: NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
Acknowledgment: N. Scoville (Caltech) and T. Rector (NOAO)