A Galactic Gem: Spiral Galaxy NGC 3981 | ESO

A Galactic Gem: Spiral Galaxy NGC 3981 | ESO

FORS2, an instrument mounted on the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) captured the spiral galaxy NGC 3981 in all its glory. The image, captured during the ESO Cosmic Gems Program, showcases the beauty of the southern skies when conditions do not allow scientific observations to be made.

Distance: about 62 million light-years

Credit: European Southern Observatory (ESO) 

Release Date: September 2, 2018

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