The complex structure of the galaxy NGC 3310, seen here in visible light, suggests an interesting past. NGC 3310 is also known as the Bow and Arrow Galaxy for the faint arc, or bow, running along its right side, and the straight line, or arrow, in the upper right quadrant.
Although this image renders the galaxy in its true colors, it does not show the light distribution as the human eye would see it. In reality, the galaxyΓÇÖs center is about 350 times brighter than its ΓÇ£bow.ΓÇ¥ To preserve NGC 3310ΓÇÖs features the dynamic range of the image has been compressed in a process not unlike turning down the contrast on a television.
The inner, brightest portion of NGC 3310 is like a typical spiral galaxy, with the two main arms
