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Credit & Copyright: Dietmar Hager,
Torsten Grossmann
Explanation:
Also known as the Cigar Galaxy for its elongated visual appearance,
M82 is a starburst galaxy
with a superwind.
In fact,
through ensuing supernova explosions and
powerful winds from massive stars,
the burst of star formation in M82
is driving the prodigous outflow of material.
Evidence
for the superwind from the galaxy's central regions
is clear in
this
sharp composite image,
based on data from small telescopes
on planet Earth.
The composite highlights emission from
filaments of atomic hydrogen gas in reddish hues.
The filaments extend for over 10,000 light-years.
Some of the gas in the superwind,
enriched in heavy elements
forged in the massive stars,
will eventually escape into intergalactic space.
Triggered by a close encounter with
nearby large galaxy M81,
the furious burst of star formation in M82 should last about
100 million years or so.
M82 is 12 million light-years distant, near the northern boundary of
Ursa Major.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: M 82 - starburst galaxy - star formation
Publications with words: M 82 - starburst galaxy - star formation
See also:
- APOD: 2024 April 15 Á The Cigar Galaxy from Hubble and Webb
- NGC 1893 and the Tadpoles of IC 410
- Star Factory Messier 17
- APOD: 2023 August 28 Á Star Formation in the Pacman Nebula
- APOD: 2023 August 2 Á M82: Galaxy with a Supergalactic Wind
- APOD: 2023 July 10 Á Stars, Dust and Nebula in NGC 6559
- NGC 1333: Stellar Nursery in Perseus