Object: NGC 6946/Fireworks Galaxy

View full image: IU_Bicentennial_Fireworks_Galaxy.jpg

Caption: The star-forming spiral galaxy NGC 6946 lies at a distance of about 10 million light years in the direction of the constellation Cepheus. Old stars at the center contrast with young, hot stars in the galaxy's spiral arms. The galaxy has produced at least nine supernovae in the last 100 years.

Image credit: L. van Zee, G. Rowe, & IU Astronomy

This project was partially funded by the Daniel Kirkwood Chair, the Hollis and Grete Johnson Astronomy Endowment funds, and from the Office of the Bicentennial.