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Galactic fireworks

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July 4, 2015

This galactic fireworks display is taking place in Messier 106, a spiral galaxy like the Milky Way. This galaxy is famous for its two extra spiral arms that glow in X-ray, optical, and radio light. These extra spiral arms aren't aligned with the plane of the galaxy. Instead, they intersect it. — This galactic fireworks display is actually Messier 106, a spiral galaxy like our Milky Way. This distant galaxy is famous for its two extra spiral arms that glow in X-ray, optical, and radio light. These extra spiral arms aren’t aligned with the plane of the galaxy. Instead, they intersect it. Image via Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

A composite of Messier 106 – aka NGC 4258 – features X-rays from Chandra (blue), radio waves from the VLA (purple), optical data from Hubble (yellow and blue), and infrared with Spitzer (red). This galaxy is located about 23 million light years from Earth.

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.