Spiral Galaxy in Leo

Publishers Comment:This is a very sharp high resolution image, taken with the new set of ACS cameras. Most of the objects in the background are distant galaxies. This lovely image can be printed tack sharp to any size. Be sure to click on the image to see the incredible galactic detail! NGC 3370 aka Silverado Galaxy Recorded exquisite detail by the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys, the big, beautiful face-on spiral is not only photogenic, but has proven sharp enough to study individual stars known as Cepheids. These pulsating stars have been used to accurately determine NGC 3370's distance. NGC 3370 was chosen for this study because in 1994 the spiral galaxy was also home to a well studied stellar explosion -- a Type Ia supernova. Combining the known distance to this standard candle supernova, based on the Cepheid measurements, with observations of supernovas at even greater distances, has helped to reveal the size and expansion rate of the entire Universe itself.