Astronomers using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope have captured a stunningly detailed image of the Sculptor galaxy (NGC 253). The 50-hour observation, composed of over 100 exposures, reveals the galaxy's intricate structure across 65,000 light-years. This starburst galaxy, located 11 million light-years away, is easily visible with binoculars. The high-resolution image, showcasing thousands of colors, provides invaluable data on stellar age, composition, and motion, including the discovery of 500 planetary nebulae. The research is set for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.