The constellation Ursa Major harbours a massive galaxy with a diameter of about 150,000 light years. This galaxy, known as NGC 2481, is located 46 million light years from Earth and is 50,000 light years larger than our own Milky Way.

Scientists have observed almost no new star formation in this galaxy and believe that the young blue stars have used up all the fuel needed for star birth. The precursors of young blue stars are the white middle-aged stars that fill the centre of the galaxy.

Image description:

White stars are barely visible towards the centre of the galaxy, where a bright yellow core radiates outwards. Dust lanes and spiral arms containing blue and purple stars adorn the image.