Each day we feature a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. The pictured core of the galaxy NGC 253 shows an exceptionally high rate of star formation. In the center are some of the densest knots of stars ever found, surrounded by glowing gas and dust lanes. The unusual color is a combination of the light emitted from the young, hot, blue stars and their associated emission and reflection nebulae .
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