Photograph
The Black Eye Galaxy (M64)
A spiral galaxy in the constellation Coma Berenices, located about 17 million light-years from Earth. It is best known for the striking dark dust lane crossing its bright nucleus, giving rise to its popular name, the Black Eye Galaxy.
Beyond the frame
The dark dust lane is only the most visible clue to a remarkable history. Observations show that the gas in the outer regions of M64 rotates in the opposite direction to the stars and the galaxy's inner disk. The most likely explanation is that, long ago, M64 absorbed a smaller galaxy. Where the two streams of gas meet, shock waves compress the material and trigger new star formation. The striking dust lane is therefore a lasting reminder of an ancient galactic collision whose effects are still visible today.