A Galactic Wind Caught in the Act

Twelve million light years away, a galaxy is throwing a tantrum on a cosmic scale. M82, the Cigar Galaxy is forming stars at ten times the rate of our own Milky Way, and all that frenzied activity has been blasting superheated gas outward in a colossal wind stretching 40,000 light years. Scientists have long known the wind exists, but now, for the first time, they've measured exactly how fast it's moving and the answer raises as many questions as it answers. The universe is full of galaxies quietly going about their business, steadily converting gas into stars at a gentle, sustainable rate. And then there are the others, the ones that throw caution to the wind and burn through their reserves in a furious... [2827 chars]