M79

M79 is a globular cluster found where few others are seen, quite far from the direction of the galactic center. This is due to the fact that it lies nearly on line with our solar system and the center of the Milky Way, but beyond us, in the opposite direction. At a distance of about 40,000 light-years from Earth, it therefore is at least 60,000 light-years from the core of our galaxy. Recent evidence indicates that this object may be a fugitive from the dwarf galaxy Canis Major Dwarf, a satellite of the Milky Way that is currently being disrupted by a close encounter with our much larger home and likely will soon become an integral part of it.