Abstract
M82 is the nearest galaxy evidently containing a strong central source of energy, which is possibly similar to the nucleus of a Seyfert galaxy, and this seems to have given rise to an unusual explosive event1. The appearance of M82 is that of a flattened irregular system seen nearly edge-on, and if a distinct nucleus exists, it is highly obscured2 at optical wavelengths. Compact radio features are, however, present, and complex resolved radio and infrared sources and bright visible H II regions occupy an area ∼ 12″×35″ in the centre of the galaxy. The outer parts of the galaxy show linear optical polarisation, discovered by Elvius3. This is thought to arise from reflection in an extensive halo of dust particles of the light of the bright nucleus (or nuclear region) and of the galactic disk (for a recent discussion, see ref. 4). Consequently, observation of the polarisation can give information about the position and luminosity of the energetic nuclear region, and about the scattering medium. Outstanding questions about M82 involve the existence and nature of a compact nucleus and the morphological and evolutionary state of the whole galaxy.
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BINGHAM, R., MCMULLAN, D., PALLISTER, W. et al. New map of the optical polarisation of galaxy M82. Nature 259, 463–465 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/259463a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/259463a0
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