Object: Messier 82/Cigar Galaxy

View full image: IU_Bicentennial_Messier82.jpg

Caption: A high level of star formation in the galaxy M82 has made it unusually luminous for its size. In the central region, M82 produces stars 10 times faster than the entire Milky Way. Tendrils of hot gas blown out by supernovae extend above and below the galaxy's disk.

Image credit: L. van Zee & 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.