=12.0ptMessier 94: A Galactic TransmogrificationOTA: Sky Rover 130 f/7
Camera: AtikOne
Observatory: Insight Observatory Affiliate in China
EXPOSURES:
R: 13 X 600 sec
G: 11 x 600
B: 12 x 600
H: 91 x 900
L: 83 x 600
Total exposure 42 hours
Image Width: 41 arc-minutes
Processed by Alex Woronow (2022) using PixInsight, SWT, Topaz, 3DLut, NbA, Banshan icons
Messier 94 is another "Starburst Galaxy." Encircling the galaxy's core lies a blue ring of young, hot stars. Most Starburst galaxies have these starbursts because something has upset the balance and general quiescence of the galaxy and its study persistence in star generation. Usually, what upsets the status quo is an encounter with another galaxy. The gravitational interactions cause turmoil in the motions of molecular clouds and send them into high-speed collisions, which generate shock-compression waves and rapid collapse of the clouds into new stars.
In addition to starburst activity, stars are pulled from their organized rotation around the galaxy's core and dragged into eccentric orbits and stretch clouds of stars, known as "gravitational tails." Here, the outermost spiral arms have been dragged farther outward. Images of this galaxy through larger scopes show that the outer ring consists of two or more stretched and distorted spiral arms connected to the central part of the galaxy (1). In my image, the connection point lies at about 10 o'clock.
(1)
https://www.cosmotography.com/images/small_new_m94.htmlAlex Woronow
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