M82

M82 is one of the most irregular galaxies in our galactic neighborhood. Due to a recent interaction with M81, this galaxy has tremendous amounts of star formation taking place. The image shows reddened outflows of material that extend hundreds and thousands of light years away from core of the galaxy. Curiously, this galaxy is exceedingly bright in the visible wavelengths of light- but even brighter in emissions at the radio wavelengths! Please visit this wide-field image of M82 and M81.

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.