Explanation : This is what a spiral galaxy looks like sideways. This view of NGC 3628 nearly resembles our own Milky Way Galaxy , which is also known to be a spiral . The dark band across the center is absorbed starlight caused by the galaxy's own interstellar dust . NGC 3628 is the faintest member of the Leo Triplet , a group of galaxies dominated by M65 and M66 . The Leo Triplet lies about 35 million light years distant. The center of NGC 3628 emits variable X-ray radiation perhaps indicating the presence of a massive black hole .
Media Credits & Attribution
Spiral Galaxy NGC 3628 Edge On Credit: Anglo-Australian Telescope photograph by David Malin Copyright: Anglo-Australian Telescope Board