M82like

M82like refers to a descriptive category of galaxies that resemble Messier 82 in having a compact, intense central starburst and related energetic phenomena. The term is not a formal scientific subclass, but it is used to indicate systems with similar central star-forming activity, infrared luminosity, and evidence of strong feedback such as galactic winds.

Key properties of M82like galaxies include a high star formation rate per unit area concentrated in the inner region, strong infrared emission from dust heated by young stars, and prominent emission from H II regions and non-thermal radio emission. They often show disturbed or irregular morphologies, which can result from past or ongoing interactions or minor mergers. The starburst core is typically confined to the central few hundred parsecs to a kiloparsec, making these systems among the most actively star-forming per unit area in the local universe.

A defining feature of M82like galaxies is the presence of galactic-scale winds driven by the collective effects of supernovae and stellar winds from the central starburst. These outflows may be visible as optical emission-line filaments, X-ray–emitting hot gas, and extended radio halos, indicating feedback that can expel gas from the disk and enrich the circumgalactic medium.

Origin and scope: M82like activity is commonly associated with gravitational interactions or mergers that funnel gas toward the center and trigger intense star formation. While many starburst galaxies share some of these traits, M82like designates those with particularly compact, energetic nuclei and conspicuous winds. Examples include nearby starburst and interacting systems that exhibit similar multiwavelength signatures to M82.

See also: starburst galaxy, galactic wind, M82.