A Cosmic Celebration: Hubble's 35th Anniversary

As the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope gears up for its 35th anniversary, celebration is in the air! To mark this monumental occasion, ESA/Hubble has released a breathtaking new image of the Sombrero Galaxy, known scientifically as Messier 104. This galaxy not only captivates astronomers but has also stolen the hearts of amateur stargazers with its striking characteristics that blend the features of both spiral and elliptical galaxies.

Unlocking Secrets with Cutting-Edge Imagery

This latest image of the Sombrero Galaxy benefits from advanced processing techniques, which illuminate its distinctive structure like never before. This part of Hubble's anniversary festivities involves revisiting and enhancing beloved images from the past. Following a recent stunning shot of NGC 346, this new glimpse of the Sombrero Galaxy reveals intricacies within its disc and reveals a plethora of background stars and galaxies, enriching the visual tapestry.

An Icon in the Cosmos

Located a staggering 30 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo, the Sombrero Galaxy is a recognizable celestial marvel. Its edge-on view showcases a gently glowing bulge and a sharply defined disc, resembling the wide-brimmed Mexican hat that inspired its name. Over the years, Hubble has released several images of this galaxy, including a famous capture from October 2003. Adding to its intrigue, the James Webb Space Telescope is set to provide new insights in November 2024.

A Cut Above in the Galaxy