Starburst Galaxy Messier 94 . ... Credit Copyright: ESA/Hubble and NASA Explanation: Beautiful island universe Messier 94 lies a mere 15 million light-years distant in the northern constellation of the hunting dogs, Canes Venatici . A popular target for earth-based astronomers, the face-on spiral galaxy is about 30,000 light-years across, with spiral arms sweeping through the outskirts of its broad disk. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...