Spitzer/MIPS View of the Andromeda Galaxy

Ssc2005-20a2
spitzer_ssc2005-20a2 October 13, 2005

Creator: Spitzer Space Telescope, Pasadena, CA, USA

Image Source: http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/images/1490-ssc2005-20a2-Spitzer-MIPS-View-of-the-Andromeda-Galaxy

NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has captured stunning infrared views of the famous Andromeda galaxy to reveal insights that were only hinted at in visible light.

The multi-wavelength view of Andromeda combines images taken at 24 microns (blue), 70 microns (green), and 160 microns (red). Using all three bands from the multiband imaging photometer allows astronomers to measure the temperature of the dust by its color. The warmest dust is brightest at 24 microns while the coolest is most evident at 160 microns. The blue/white areas have the hottest dust, as seen in the bulge and in the star-forming areas along the arms. The cooler dust floating further out in the ring and arms are in the redder regions.

The data were taken on August 25, 2004, the one-year anniversary of the launch of the space telescope. The observations have been transformed into this remarkable gift from Spitzer -- the most detailed infrared image of the spectacular galaxy to date.

Image Use Policy: http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/info/18-Image-Use-Policy

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Image Details

Image Type
Observation
Object Name
Andromeda Galaxy Messier 31 M31 NGC 224
Subject - Local Universe
Galaxy » Type » Spiral

Distance

Universescale2
2,500,000 light years

Position Details

Ssc2005-20a2
Position (ICRS)
RA = 0h 42m 44.3s
DEC = 41° 16’ 6.2”
Orientation
North is 53.0° CCW
Field of View
2.8 x 0.8 degrees
Constellation
Andromeda

Color Mapping

  Telescope Spectral Band Wavelength
Arrow_left_blue Spitzer (MIPS) Infrared (Mid-IR) 24.0 µm
Arrow_left_green Spitzer (MIPS) Infrared (Far-IR) 70.0 µm
Arrow_left_red Spitzer (MIPS) Infrared (Far-IR) 160.0 µm
Spectrum_ir1
Arrow_top_blue
Arrow_top_green
Arrow_top_red