APOD 1.7

Todays APOD is from today, October 11th 2013 It is an image of a spiral galaxy from the side and is truly amazing.

This galaxy spans over 100,000 light years and is currently 30,000,000 light years away! This galaxy is very similar to our own galaxy in shape as well as content. The spots in the background are actually all different galaxies and if you try hard enough, you can actually discern some of the less bright ones' shapes. The white glow surrounding the galaxy is actually dust that has been shot out by stars' supernova explosions and formation activities. I really enjoyed this photo not only because it is beautiful, but also because it looks kind of like the eye of Sauron from the Lord of the Rings.