Galaxy NGC 4710
Observed in 2006
The magnificent galaxy NGC 4710 is tilted nearly edge-on to our view from Earth, providing a unique perspective that showcases the three-dimensional architecture of spiral galaxies. This orientation allows astronomers to easily distinguish the central bulge—a densely packed sphere of older, yellowish stars—from the galaxy's pancake-flat disk of stars, dust, and gas that extends outward in a thin plane. The edge-on view reveals the true thinness of the galactic disk and the prominent dust lane running along its midplane, appearing as a dark ribbon that bisects the galaxy. This geometry offers valuable insights into galactic structure, the vertical distribution of stars and gas, and the dynamics of stellar populations at different heights above the disk. NGC 4710 serves as an excellent example of how viewing angle dramatically affects our perception and understanding of galaxy morphology.
Image credit: NASA, ESA, Hubble Space Telescope