Galaxy not so far, far away

Planetarium at YSU shows NASA photos

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Two mural-sized images of the Messier 101 galaxy, digitally photographed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Great Observatories, are now on display at the Ward Beecher Planetarium at Youngstown State University.

NASA selected YSU’s planetarium as a permanent site for the spectacular images of the galaxy, known also as M101. Located more than 22 million light years from Earth, it is nearly twice the size of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Patrick Durrell, planetarium director and an assistant professor of physics and astronomy, said the unveiling of the framed photographs in the planetarium lobby kicks off a series of campus events planned for YSU’s observance of 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy.

YSU is one of about 100 science centers, museums, planetariums and educational venues across the country chosen by NASA to display its galaxy photographs.

The larger, 6-foot-wide image showcases the M101 galaxy in three full-color digital photos — one in infrared light observed by the Spitzer Space Telescope, a second in visible light observed by the Hubble Space Telescope and a third in X-ray light observed by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

The second framed image combines the views from all three telescopes into a composite, which reveals the grand design spiral structure for which the galaxy is best known, as well as the locations of black holes, exploded stars and the underlying giant clouds where stars are born, Durrell said.

The International Year of Astronomy celebrates the 400th anniversary of Galileo first turning a telescope toward the heavens. NASA has established permanent display venues across the country for its galaxy images and is helping to organize unveiling events nationwide to call attention to the three Great Observatories and the achievements astronomy has made over the last four centuries.

“The International Year of Astronomy represents an exciting opportunity to give everyone a chance to observe and appreciate the universe,” said Durrell. “We are thrilled to be taking part in this yearlong celebration.”