Spiral Galaxy NGC 2841

This is an example of the prototypical flocculent spiral galaxy with patchy and discontinuous arms. Flocculent means "fluffy" and galaxies like this are patchy without distinct spiral arms. Approximately 30% of known galaxies have these characteristics. Spiral galaxy NGC 2841 lies 46 million light-years away from Earth, in the constellation of Ursa Major, and reveals a majestic disk of stars and dust lanes. It contains a prominent inner ring structure and is home to a large population of young blue stars. A portion of every Posternauts purchase supports young minds through the scholarship fund of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center® Foundation. Learn More Object Name: NGC 2841 Release Date: Sep 22, 2011 Image Credits: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration. Acknowledgment: M. Crockett and S. Kaviraj (Oxford University, UK), R. O'Connell (University of Virginia), B. Whitmore (STScI), and the WFC3 Scientific Oversight Committee