images

Spiral galaxy M106 in Canes Venatici

by

E.Mouquet/Novapix

Reference

a-gax42-58004

Date

2007-01-17

M106 is a type of active galaxy classified as a seyfert galaxy by virtue of its active nucleus and characteristic emission spectra. Like other seyfert galaxies it shows evidence of a massive black hole (about 36 million solar masses) within its nucleus. It is located about 24 million light year away.