The M106 galaxy, also known as NGC 4258, is an intermediate spiral galaxy located approximately 22~25 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici. M106 spans around 135,000 light-years in diameter and has a mass of roughly 190 billion solar masses. The galaxy features a unique combination of spiral arms and a compact central region, with a supermassive black hole at its core.

One of the most intriguing aspects of M106 is the presence of an anomalous H-alpha (Ha) jet. H-alpha is a specific wavelength of visible red light emitted by hydrogen atoms when they transition between energy levels. The Ha jet in M106 is particularly interesting because it extends from the galaxy's center, perpendicular to the main disk, for several thousand light-years. This jet is believed to be caused by the interaction of the supermassive black hole's strong gravitational influence with surrounding gas and dust, which forms a rotating accretion disk. As the material in the disk spirals inward, it gets heated, ionized, and ejected in the form of two opposing jets.

Capturing the H-alpha (Ha) jet in M106 requires long exposure times because the jet emits relatively faint light compared to the overall brightness of the galaxy. The reason for this faintness is that the Ha jet represents a small portion of the total light emitted by the galaxy, and it is produced by the ionization and recombination of hydrogen atoms in the jet. This process results in a relatively weak emission of light at the H-alpha wavelength, which is easily overshadowed by the much brighter emission from the stars and other features of the galaxy.

This captivating 44-hour exposure image of M106, including 30 hours dedicated to H-alpha, beautifully blends art and science to showcase the majesty of the cosmos. The extended exposure time accentuates the galaxy's intricate structure and its elusive Ha jet, allowing the viewer to appreciate both the aesthetic and scientific aspects. The H-alpha filter highlights the jet's ethereal glow, creating a visual masterpiece that evokes a sense of wonder and admiration for the vast universe. This artistic portrayal of M106 not only reveals the complex interplay between the supermassive black hole and surrounding gas but also celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of celestial phenomena.