The spiral galaxy NGC 2146, in the constellation Camelopardalis, has a large central bulge and distorted spiral arms. The black mark to the right of the center results from large clouds of gas and dust blocking light from the stars. (Compare this galaxy with M88, which has a similar structure.)
In addition to being a spiral, NGC 2146 is a starburst galaxy. Inside its molecular gas clouds, stars are forming at a tremendous rate. Perhaps all galaxies look like NGC 2146 when they are young; eventually, stellar winds and supernovae from the stars now forming may blast away much of the gas and dust seen here.
This photograph was taken with the 2.1 meter telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory.
