NGC 6946, often referred to as the "Fireworks Galaxy", is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation of Cepheus, approximately 25 million light-years away from Earth. William Herschel discovered it in 1798.
This galaxy earned its nickname due to the high frequency of supernovae observed within its boundaries. In fact, NGC 6946 has experienced ten supernova events since the beginning of the 20th century, earning it the distinction of one of the most prolific supernova factories in our cosmic neighborhood. As a comparison, there is about only one supernova event per century in our galaxy, the Milky Way, even though it has twice as many stars. The galaxy's active star-forming regions contribute to its dynamic nature, making it an intriguing subject of study for astronomers seeking to understand the processes that drive stellar birth and death within galaxies.
NGC 6946 has a relatively face-on orientation, providing astronomers with a clear view of its spiral structure. The galaxy is part of a small group of galaxies that includes the galaxies NGC 6939 and NGC 6937, among others. Its proximity and active nature make NGC 6946 an essential target for observational studies, aiding scientists in expanding their understanding of the life cycles of galaxies and the factors influencing their evolution.
