M106

23.5 million light-years

M106 is an unusual spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici (the hunting dogs). Two spiral arms, dominated by young, bright stars, are seen here in visible light but using X-ray and radio imaging two additional "anomalous" arms are revealed. These consist mainly of gas that is being heated by shock waves.

Credit: Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope / Coelum / J.-C. Cuillandre & G. Anselmi.