This false color radio image of Maffei 2 is remarkably similar to the galaxy’s near infrared image: both have a bright nucleus, a bar, and two spiral arms. There are also noticeable irregularities on both sides of the galaxy, including an unusual extension above the upper bar. In spiral galaxies, infrared and radio images are rarely so similar. The sources of infrared light—namely, the illumination of stars—are different from those of radio light. 
    Radio light is an excellent way to study Maffei 2, because it is not affected by the dust in our own Milky Way. With a wavelength of 20 centimeters, this radiation is hundreds to thousands of times larger than the dust particles, and so easily penetrates them.