Posted on Feb 5, 2026
APOD: 2026 February 5 - NGC 1275 in the Perseus Cluster
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Good morning, Rallypoint, and welcome to the February 5, 2026 edition of Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD).
NGC 1275 made its last APOD appearance via the Hubble Space Telescope back in January 2023 (it is worth a drive back through the APOD archives if you are interested). NGC 1275 (aka Perseus A) is called an 'active galaxy' in that it is luminous across the entire electromagnetic spectrum (visible light AND x-rays, radio, infrared, and the like). In contrast, our Milky Way galaxy is considered 'inactive' in that its luminosity is produced primarily by stars.
NGC 1275 is the dominant member of "The Perseus Cluster", the second nearest to Earth of the really rich clusters of galaxies. How rich? Thousands of galaxies rich. How near? 230 million light years (so not very). It has been a focus of study since 1961 when Perseus A was first identified as a source of x-rays. From that point forward, the Perseus Cluster has played a significant role in the study of large scale structures in the Universe.
NGC 1275 made its last APOD appearance via the Hubble Space Telescope back in January 2023 (it is worth a drive back through the APOD archives if you are interested). NGC 1275 (aka Perseus A) is called an 'active galaxy' in that it is luminous across the entire electromagnetic spectrum (visible light AND x-rays, radio, infrared, and the like). In contrast, our Milky Way galaxy is considered 'inactive' in that its luminosity is produced primarily by stars.
NGC 1275 is the dominant member of "The Perseus Cluster", the second nearest to Earth of the really rich clusters of galaxies. How rich? Thousands of galaxies rich. How near? 230 million light years (so not very). It has been a focus of study since 1961 when Perseus A was first identified as a source of x-rays. From that point forward, the Perseus Cluster has played a significant role in the study of large scale structures in the Universe.
APOD: 2026 February 5 - NGC 1275 in the Perseus Cluster
Posted from apod.nasa.gov
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Astronomy
Posted 6 d ago
Responses: 3
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Sgt David Ray
Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Life might not even be possible in an active galaxy. All that radiation could break down proteins and other complex molecules before life got started.
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PO3 Phyllis Maynard
Maj William W. 'Bill' Price I do not have a deep introspection for science. I try to follow the layers of mystery, but I cannot. I simply believe the journey into the place of existence is where scripture describes the Throne of GOD and the worlds of Revelation.
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Maj William W. 'Bill' Price
Sgt David Ray - I agree. But what if (a la Star Trek) life was not Carbon-based? That's where I was headed with my speculation.
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Sgt David Ray
Maj William W. 'Bill' Price I think any kind of life would require that energy be stored, transferred, and used, in a controlled way. I doubt that is possible without some complex molecules to at least give some structure and organization, regardless of the chemistry.
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Maj William W. 'Bill' Price I understand the aesthetics. The colors are like a beautiful black gown with subtle gold accent. Very charming.
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