NASA · Space

M104: The Sombrero Galaxy's Tidal Streams

A deep image of the Sombrero galaxy (M104) reveals a hazy halo with structures suggesting a violent past.

The Sombrero galaxy, known for its dark dust brim, appears different in longer exposures. A bright, hazy halo extending beyond the central disk contains unresolved stars and a diagonal ring.

These structures and tidal streams provide evidence that M104 is the result of collisions and mergers of smaller galaxies.

The Sombrero galaxy is approximately 30 million light-years away and spans about 150,000 light-years across.

The featured image was captured over seven days in mid-2026 from Namibia.

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