Optical CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image of the spiral galaxy NGC 891. NGC 891 does not here show the typical spiral structure because it is seen across its galactic plane. Its main feature is the presence along this plane of a dark lane. Here the light emitted by the stars is absorbed by interstellar dust. The central bulge represents the nucleus of the galaxy and is mainly populated by old yellow stars. The image was obtained with blue-green, red and near infrared filters and it may be considered a true colour version.