Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Galaxy M82's Gas Outflow Surprises Astronomers at 3 Million km/h

3/30/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Astronomers using the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) measured gas escaping from the starburst galaxy M82 at over 3 million kilometers per hour.
The outflow is driven by shockwaves from supernovae and intense star formation.
XRISM data show seven solar masses move outward yearly, with three unaccounted.
The discrepancy raises questions about the outflow mechanisms and galaxy evolution.
The findings were published March 25 in Nature.

1 of 1

Story summary

Astronomers using the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) measured gas escaping from the starburst galaxy M82 at over 3 million kilometers per hour.
The outflow is driven by shockwaves from supernovae and intense star formation.
XRISM data show seven solar masses move outward yearly, with three unaccounted.
The discrepancy raises questions about the outflow mechanisms and galaxy evolution.
The findings were published March 25 in Nature.