The "UFO" Galaxy: NGC 2683 in Lynx | Kitt Peak National Observatory

The "UFO" Galaxy: NGC 2683 in Lynx | Kitt Peak National Observatory

This spiral galaxy is viewed nearly edge-on from our perspective, giving it the shape of a classic science fiction spaceship. This is why the astronomers at the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory gave it this attention-grabbing nickname. The reddened light from the center of the galaxy appears yellowish due to thousands of light years of intervening gas and dust in the outer arms of this galaxy. The core can be glimpsed at through the last wall of dust in the center. NGC 2683 is a nearby galaxy.

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.

Credit: KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/Doug Matthews/Adam Block

Release Date: March 12, 2014

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