NGC 6946: The Fireworks Galaxy . ... AURA Explanation: Why is this galaxy so active? ... In many cases spirals light up when interacting with another galaxy, but NGC 6946 appears relatively isolated in space. ... The center of NGC 6946 is home to a nuclear starburst itself, and picturesque dark dust is seen lacing the disk along with bright blue stars , red emission nebulas, fast moving gas clouds, and unusually frequent supernovas . ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...