Large Magellanic Cloud: This galaxy in the constellation of Dorado or the Swordfish can only be observed from the Southern Hemisphere. It is a companion galaxy of our Milky Way and gravitationally bound to it, thus both are interacting. The distance to us is approx. 180000 LY.The bright area in the lower part of the image is the huge Tarantelum Nebula. The reddish regions in the image are all star birth areas.

The image was taken under the very clear sky of Sutherland close to the site of the South African Large Telescope (SALT) and shows the wide extent of the central bar of this irregular galaxy.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Jurg Wagener from Sutherland for providing me with one of his observation enclosures for setting up my equipment and his support during my stay. His every night star shows about the wonders of the Southern Sky are an unforgettable attraction for all Sutherland visitors. Find out more about Sutherland and its attractions here.