The red filaments seen near the center of galaxy NGC 1275 are fine threads of gas up to 20,000 light-years long, but only 200 light-years wide. These are sustained by magnetic fields.

NASA, ESA, M. Kornmesser and L. Christensen (ESA/Hubble), and G. Bacon (STScI);
Science: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration

Publication: August 20, 2008