This spiral galaxy is oriented nearly edge-on, tilted only about four degrees as seen from our vantage point. This affords us a wonderful view of the copious amounts of dust within its disk, seen in silhouette as the mottled dark lane that seems to slice the galaxy into two thin halves.

Another classic feature of spiral galaxies displayed beautifully by NGC 4565 is the bulge of stars near the center of the disk. Central bulges typically contain ancent, yellow stars dating back to the formation of the galaxy.

Proceeding deeper toward the center of the galaxy, we are also able to see the nucleus of NGC 4565 directly, just peeking out from the center of the disk and appearing as a bright star-like point. If it were not for our favorable viewing angle, NGC 4565 might appear very similar to NGC 891, another wonderful example of a nearly edge-on spiral galaxy, but in which the nucleus is completely obscured by the dust lanes.

The brilliant star Merope is one of the members of the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, a cluster of young, hot stars about 400 light years from earth. Intense bluish light from Merope illuminates wisps of cosmic dust which appear to swaddle the young stars in blankets of nebulosity.

For a wider view of the entire Pleiades and surrounding area, click here.