AAPOD2 Image Archives
M94 in Canes Venatici
NGC 4736, commonly known as M94, is a stunning spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. This galaxy, situated about 16 million light-years from Earth, features a unique ring structure that sets it apart from other spiral galaxies. The bright inner ring is an area of intense star formation, a phenomenon driven by the galaxy's central bar structure which funnels gas towards the core. This ring of young, hot stars gives M94 its distinctive appearance and makes it a popular target for astronomers and astrophotographers alike.