ISO first light image

The first light image from ISO's ISOCAM of part of M51 galaxy at a wavelength of 7 micron. This is the unprocessed image as seen in real-time, from an observation lasting 130 seconds. ISOCAM's resolution was set to 6 arcseconds, corresponding to a total field of view of 3x3 arcminutes. Note the nucleus to the top right and two spiral arm segments. [Image Date: 1995/12] [97.07.008-005]