Optical/infrared comparison of the central parts of the Milky Way

This spectacular view compares a huge mosaic in infrared light from the VISTA survey telescope and a visible-light mosaic view of the same region taken with a small telescope. Because VISTA has a camera sensitive to infrared light it can see through much of the dust blocking the view and give a very clear view of the multitude of stars in the central parts of the Milky Way.

Credit:

ESO/VVV Survey/D. Minniti/Serge Brunier
Acknowledgement: Ignacio Toledo, Martin Kornmesser

About the Image

Id:eso1242c
Type:Collage
Release date:24 October 2012, 12:00
Related releases:eso1242
Size:5863 x 8846 px

About the Object

Name:Composite image, Milky Way, Milky Way Galactic Centre, VVV Survey
Type:Milky Way
Milky Way : Galaxy : Component : Center/Core
Category:Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
24.0 MB
Screensize JPEG
871.3 KB