This ground-based overview image of NGC 2903 was taken with a 40 cm telescope (16 inch), and shows why this spiral galaxy is a favourite among amateur astronomers. The area viewed in detail by Hubble's WFPC2 camera is shown as an outline. Massive spiral arms are connected to the spiral's bar. The image is combined from 4 exposures totalling 88 minutes.

Credit: Ryan Branch and Robin Milner/Adam Block/AURA/NOAO/NSF