M82

Messier 82, often called the Cigar Galaxy, is an example of an irregular galaxy, although it seems likely that it was originally a disk galaxy that has suffered a considerable shape change due to a semi-recent encounter with its nearby neighbor, M81. M82 is currently undergoing heavy star-forming activity, which may be a direct result of that encounter. The galaxy is also a strong emitter of radio noise and infrared radiation, which is likely due that strong star-formation activity. The Hubble Space Telescope has discovered more than 100 young globular clusters associated with M82, which may also have resulted from the interaction between the two galaxies. It is estimated that their most recent encounter occurred between 50 and 100 million years ago. M82 lies about 12 million light years from Earth. At least one supernova has been seen in the galaxy.

Image taken in August, 2006, with the 402 camera.