https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinwheel_Galaxy
The light that made this image left its host galaxy over 20 million years ago. Yet our cameras can still see it in the night sky. It’s near the handle of the Plough.
But you’ll struggle to see it, even with binoculars. Because it’s almost directly face on, it’s also very faint. Even in a single camera frame it’s barely visible.
The image at the top represents the stacked images from six nights observing, each session lasting about one hour. The result then has to be processed to increase contrast and bring out some of the lighter details. I think it’s worth all the effort.
Platitude of the Day 