The Hubble Space Telescope is back in action, having returned to science operations but now with just one operating gyroscope. And to prove it's still got what it takes, the venerable observatory snapped a striking photo of the dusty spiral galaxy NGC 1546. away in the constellation of Dorado, the Swordfish, NGC 1546 is a brilliant example of what's referred to as a"flocculent" spiral.
The bright blue regions, more visible on the far side of the galaxy where dust isn't blocking the view, are examples of these hot young stars in freshly bornorbit, this image of NGC 1546 taken with the telescope's Wide-field Camera 3 is one of Hubble's most important. That's because it puts to rest any doubts about Hubble's immediate future.A full version of the flocculent spiral galaxy NGC 1546, imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope.