• Name: NGC 6946 (aka the Fireworks Galaxy) • Type: Intermediate spiral galaxy • Constellation: Cepheus/Cygnus border • Distance: ~25 million light-years • Discovery: 1798 by William Herschel Image Description: The image displays the galaxy in a field of scattered background stars. The overall color palette is dominated by shades of purple and blue, with hints of pink and yellow from the stars. Media Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/MSSL/R.Soria et al, Optical: AURA/Gemini OBs. Transparency: For educational use only. This account is not affiliated with the aforementioned creditor(s), nor does this imply endorsement from either entity.
Ringing in the eve of the New Year with NGC 6946 (aka the Fireworks Galaxy), an intermediate spiral galaxy around 25 million light-years away, bordering the constellations Cepheus and Cygnus.
Image Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/MSSL/R.Soria et al, Optical: AURA/Gemini OBs
