M82 is emblematic of an irregular galaxy. It is nicknamed the Cigar Galaxy, which suggests a very elongated Hubble class E7 elliptical, but is rich in dust clouds and bright areas of star formation, which don't exist in elliptical galaxies.  It also appears discoid, but lacks defined spiral arms like a classic spiral. M82 is an irregular system in a burst of star formation, probably as a result of a galaxy merger Exposures: Ha:L:R:G:B=360:240:100:100:100minutes=15 hours total exposure at f/11.

This image was published in the March, 2017 issue of Astronomy magazine.