Object Analysis

The Fireworks Galaxy (NGC 6946) is an intermediate spiral galaxy on the border of the constellations Cepheus and Cygnus. It is located about 22 million light-years from Earth. It earned its name because of the unusually high frequency of supernovae observed within its spiral arms.

In the last century alone, ten supernovae have been detected in NGC 6946. This is significantly higher than the average for galaxies of its size (the Milky Way averages about one or two per century). This high rate suggests that the galaxy is a "starburst" environment with a massive population of short-lived, high-mass stars.

The galaxy is also unique for its prominent, heavily branched spiral arms. These arms are rich in glowing hydrogen gas and dust lanes. Because it is located near the plane of our own Milky Way, the Fireworks Galaxy is somewhat obscured by the "Zone of Avoidance," making its discovery and study more challenging than other bright galaxies.