The “Firecracker Galaxy” is called that because of the glowing red HII regions that are spotted along its beautiful spiral arms. They look like strings of firecrackers going off.

Also note the wide variety of star colors in the foreground.

12 1/2″ Ritchey-Chretien Telescope with an ST8E/CFW8.F/6LRGB(47/7minBW, 11/5min2x2R,G,B. Scaled on Maxim DL at 1.0 R, 1.0 G, 1.6 B)