NGC 1300

NGC 1300 is often touted as being the most spectacular example of a barred spiral galaxy- and for good reason, the bar in the central portion of this galaxy is larger than the diameter of our own galaxy at an incredible length of 150,000 light years across. This galaxy is approximately 75 million light years away. However, even at this remote distance, astronomers have studied this galaxy intensely since it reveals information about the nature of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Measurements of the speeds at which clouds of gas (and stars) orbit the galaxy were taken in order to determine how a barred spiral galaxy develops. The Milky Way has a small bar; however, studying an external face-on barred spiral like NGC 1300 is easier than looking through the intervening gas and dust of our own galaxy towards the center. Also note the handful of background galaxies that may be 5 times as distant (or more).

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.