M82: Starburst in X-rays
Explanation:
Star formation occurs at a faster pace
in M82
-- a galaxy with about 10 times the rate of massive star birth (and
death) compared to our
Milky Way.
Winds from massive stars and blasts from supernova explosions
have created the expanding
cloud of million degree gas filling the above
Chandra X-ray Observatory image of this
remarkable
starburst galaxy.
The false color image even resolves bright spots which are likely
shocked
supernova remnants and
X-ray bright
binary stars.
Also
observed
as a
radio
galaxy and a bright celestial infrared source,
M82's
aspect in optical pictures has led to its popular
moniker,
the Cigar Galaxy.
M82's burst of star formation was likely triggered a mere
100 million years ago in the latest of a
series of bouts
with another large galaxy,
M81.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
