Cigar Galaxy

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(Redirected from M82)

For the rifle, see M82 (rifle)

{{Galaxy | name = Cigar Galaxy | image = Image:M82galaxy.jpg The Cigar Galaxy (M82) | epoch = J2000.0 | type = SBam (or IB) | ra = 09^h 55.8^m 50.7^s | dec = +69° 40' 43" | dist_ly = 12 million ly | appmag_v = +8.6 | size_v = 11' × 4.6' | constellation name = Ursa Major | radius_ly = unknown | absmag_v = 12.7 | notes = Edge on barred galaxy | names = M82, NGC 3034 }}

The Cigar Galaxy (aka M82 or NGC 3034) is a starburst galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.

Image:M82(2).jpg

Forming a striking pair in small telescopes with nearby Bode's Galaxy, The Cigar Galaxy is being physically affected by its bigger neighbor. Tidal forces caused by gravity have deformed this galaxy, a process that started roughly 100 million years ago. This interaction has caused star formation to increase 10 fold compared to "normal" galaxies. At present the centers of Bode's Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy are about 150,000 light-years apart.

The Chandra X-ray Observatory detected fluctuating X-ray emissions from a sector, approximately 600 light-years away from the centre of the Cigar Galaxy — around 12 million light-years from Earth. Astronomers have postulated that M82 would contain the first known mid-mass black hole, of roughly 500 solar masses.

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Structure

Image:Messier82.jpg Many speculate that the Cigar galaxy, classified as Irr-II (Irregular galaxy type II - disk irregular). But recent studies suggest that it's actually a barred spiral galaxy seen edge on, with gravitational distortions and massive dust lanes, presenting an irregular morphology to us. Template:Clear

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