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NGC 3981 FORS2, an instrument mounted on the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope, captured this view of the spiral galaxy NGC 3981. The image was captured as part of the ESO Cosmic Gems Programme, which makes use of the rare occasions when observing conditions are not suitable for gathering scientific data. Instead of sitting idle, the ESO Cosmic Gems Programme allows ESO’s telescopes to be used to capture visually stunning images of the southern skies. ESO