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Gran Telescopio Canarias captures striking image of galaxy Arp 288

Original: Gran Telescopio Canarias image of Arp 288, also known as NGC 5221. In 2016, a supernova appeared in the galaxy's long ti

A new image from the Gran Telescopio Canarias shows Arp 288, also known as NGC 5221, a galaxy with a long tidal tail stretching roughly 260 thousand light years from its center. A supernova that appeared in that tail in 2016 acted as a backlight, revealing that the tail contains surprisingly little dust, a detail astronomers find notable.

Why now: The striking telescope image and the unusual dust finding about the galaxy's tidal tail are drawing attention from space enthusiasts.

Gran Telescopio CanariasArp 288NGC 5221

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Evidence

• Gran Telescopio Canarias image of Arp 288, also known as NGC 5221. In 2016, a supernova appeared in the galaxy's long tidal tail to the right, about 260 thousand light years from the galactic center. Serving as a backlight, it tells us there is surprisingly little dust in the… · ArpBot · 12

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