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This image shows M 33, which is otherwise known as the Triangulum Nebula. M 33 is a 'spiral galaxy', which makes it similar
to our own. The shapes of spiral galaxies can be compared to those of pancakes; here the galaxy is being viewed from the top
or bottom.
This galaxy is approximately 3 million light-years away from Earth and belongs to the 'local group' of galaxies. This, together
with the Andromeda Nebule (M 31) and our galaxy make up the three largest galaxies of the group.
Galaxies, like stars, are often found in groups and our galaxy is no exception to this.
The image only shows the innermost area of this object and was produced by the combination of five red, green, and blue images
that were each exposed for one minute.
M 33 appears to be twice the angular size of the moon. However, it is extremely faint and impossible to see with the naked
eye.
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