Hubble's Stunning Two-Color View of NGC 1068: A Galaxy Revealed

The universe continues to amaze with its breathtaking celestial bodies, and the spiral galaxy NGC 1068 is no exception. Recently, talented astrophotographer Judy Schmidt has released a spectacular two-color processing of data captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, offering a unique perspective on this magnificent galaxy.

A Galaxy Unveiled in Two Colors

This processed image presents a sharp view of NGC 1068, a galaxy characterized by its dusty spiral arms and a glowing central core. The heart of the galaxy emanates a pale, warm yellowish light, encircled by two prominent arms formed by dark, brown dust. Scattered between these dusty lanes, pockets of vibrant blue stars add a dynamic contrast. A soft, smooth blue halo fades into the darkness at the galaxy's edge, where the stars and dust become more sparse. Viewers might also notice a few orangey background galaxies peeking through the obscuring dust, adding depth to the scene. The absence of prominent Milky Way stars in the foreground ensures an exceptionally clear view of NGC 1068 itself.

The Science Behind the Beauty

The quality of this image is a testament to the rigorous observation process. "Eleven different observations were taken in the F555W filter and five were taken for F814W," Judy Schmidt notes. This extensive data collection results in "spectacularly high quality data, which means any noise you see are actually countless resolved stars." The meticulous processing allows for an incredible level of detail, making the galaxy almost appear three-dimensional. Schmidt also mentions having processed this galaxy multiple times before, even in different wavelengths (radio, infrared, visible, and x-ray), highlighting the diverse ways astronomers can represent and study celestial objects.

North is oriented 29.22° clockwise from up in this particular processing. The color representation is as follows:

• Red: WFC3/UVIS F814W
• Green: Pseudogreen
• Blue: WFC3/UVIS F555W

This stunning rendition by Judy Schmidt allows us to appreciate the intricate beauty of NGC 1068, a reminder of the vast and awe-inspiring cosmos that surrounds us.