Image-processed optical CCD image of the Sombrero galaxy (M104, NGC 4594), a spiral galaxy which is seen nearly edge-on from Earth. The original CCD data has been heavily computer-processed to produce a contour line image for dramatic effect. The data was obtained with a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera mounted on a telescope at the Whipple Observatory, Arizona. A CCD is a type of light-sensitive silicon chip. (North is at top).