NGC 891 is a spiral galaxy located about 30 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. It is often compared to the Milky Way due to its similar size and structure. NGC 891 is viewed edge-on from Earth, meaning we see it from the side, giving astronomers a clear view of its thin, flat disk. 

Key features of NGC 891 include a prominent dust lane running along its midsection, which obscures part of the galaxy’s light, and its large amount of interstellar dust and gas. The galaxy also contains a number of star-forming regions and displays hints of interactions with other nearby galaxies.

Hidden in the background of this image are a tantalizing glimpses of a number of fainter and even more distant galaxies waiting to be explored.

*Growing up and watching the TV show the Outer Limits as a kid, I recall this galaxy being featured in the introduction. :-)