Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. A striking example is M101, shown above , whose relatively close distance of about 22 million light years allow it to be studied in some detail. Recent evidence indicates that a close gravitational interaction with a neighboring galaxy created waves of high mass and condensed gas which continue to circle the galaxy . These waves compress existing gas and cause star formation . M101 is so large that its immense gravity distorts smaller nearby galaxies.
Specific rights apply .