EASTERN TO UNIVERSE

Lost in space: Nasa reveals ‘loneliest galaxy’ floating in a 150 million light year-wide abyss Astronomers have captured a spectacular image of a 'lonely' galaxy stranded on the edge of an abyss. The galaxy is located next to a 150 million light year-wide patch of interstellar emptiness called the Local Void. Perched on its cusp, NGC 6503 also known as the 'Lost in Space Galaxy' is thought to be around 18 million light years away from Earth. 'Although the universe may seem spacious most galaxies are clumped together in groups or clusters and a neighbour is never far away,' Nasa wrote. 'But this galaxy, known as NGC 6503, has found itself in a lonely position.' NGC 6503 spans some 30,000 light-years, about a third of the size of the Milky Way. This Hubble Space Telescope image shows NGC 6503 in striking detail and with a rich set of colours. Bright red patches of gas can be seen scattered through its swirling spiral arms, mixed with bright blue regions that contain newly forming stars.

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