Messier 94: a cosmic connection that extends beyond the ice rink - and into space! The spiral galaxy M94 in this image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope is located in the constellation Canes Venatici, about 16 million light-years away. It first appeared in the Messier catalog compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier in the 1700s.

 

Today, hockey fans may remember another Messier 94. Exactly thirty years ago, on June 14, 1994, legendary captain Mark Messier and the New York Rangers hoisted the Stanley Cup. This trophy is made of silver and nickel, elements derived from starbursts and the merger of neutron stars. Like everything else in the NAS Universe, the Stanley Cup is really made of stellar matter!

Astronomers suggest that the starburst ring in M94 was created by a pressure wave radiating outward from the center of the galaxy, reminiscent of the excited energy of fans in a packed arena.

 

While this year's Stanley Cup champions have yet to be announced, the universe may hold some clues.

Image description:

 

A large spiral galaxy fills the image. Its central, bright core glows pale yellow and is surrounded by spiral arms covered in dark brown dust. A ring of bright bluish-white stars surrounds the galaxy.