The FORS2 device on the Very Large Telescope captured the spiral galaxy NGC 3981 in all its glory. In the picture you can admire the beauty of the southern sky, when conditions do not allow conducting scientific observations.
This wonderful photo demonstrates the amazing galaxy NGC 3981, surrounded by the blackness of space. Lives in the constellation Bowl and is displayed in May 2018 using the FORS2 instrument on the Very Large Telescope. The device stands out for its exceptional versatility. It should be taken as an indispensable “Swiss Army Knife”, as it is capable of studying many astronomical objects.
The sensitive look of FORS2 captured the spiral arms of NGC 3981, dotted with gigantic streams of dust and areas of star formation, as well as an outstanding disk of hot star objects. The galaxy is turned to face us, so it demonstrates the center - a high-energy region with a supermassive black hole. Also visible is an outer spiral structure, part of which is stretched out due to the gravitational effect of a collision in the past. NGC 3981 has many galactic neighbors. It is 65 million light-years distant and belongs to the NGC 4038 group (it includes Antenna galaxies). This group is part of the larger Cloud of the Chalice, and it is listed as a component of the Virgo Supercluster, in whose territory the Milky Way resides.
NGC 3981 is not the only interesting feature in the picture. In addition to several native stars of our galaxy, the device caught a faint line at the top. Here is an asteroid rushing through space. The image is part of the Cosmic Gems program, which provides attractive and amazing space images to attract more attention to astronomy.
