Astro-image of the day: Andromeda Galaxy in infrared

[mckitterick]

This stunning photograph of our neighbor galaxy was taken in the infrared. Astronomers were excited to discover that the stellar population estimate remains the same in this wavelength as in visible light... get this: one trillion stars. That's compared to four hundred billion stars in our galaxy.

Click the image to see the story.

Four hundred billion stars. Can you imagine that? How about a trillion?

The universe is astounding.

PS: If you don't read back to yesterday's late-night postings, you might have missed yesterday's Astro-image of the day, posted just before midnight, about dark matter. Cool stuff.

Best,
Chris

Comments

[time-freak.livejournal.com]

I could look at that for hours... amazing, i love the pictures you post.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Isn't it something? The high-resolution shot is one I looked at for a long time, myself.

[silvergoth.livejournal.com]

Wow.

I feel so inspired.




ahem.




Trillions of stars shine
evading comprehension
Andromeda strain?




Thank you, thank you. You're too kind!

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Ba-da-boom, tsch!

[fortyozspartan.livejournal.com]

"Four hundred billion stars"

It kind of puts the chances of other life into perspective though doesn't it?

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

So true! This explains why the Drake Equation, though it seems to give life only a miniscule chance, in reality is a very optimistic measure.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

I met the woman who puts the color into those pictures.

K. talk about a fun job]

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Cool!