A Milky Way-like galaxy (Messier 101) (IMAGE)

Northwestern University

A Milky Way-like galaxy (Messier 101)

Caption

A Milky Way-like galaxy (Messier 101): A close-up view of the Messier 101 galaxy, which is a spiral galaxy similar to the Milky Way galaxy. The Messier 101 has a pancake-like shape that we view face-on. This perspective shows off the spiral structure that gives it the nickname the "Pinwheel Galaxy."

Credit

NASA (http://hubblesite.org/image/2477/news_release/2009-07)

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