M81 & M82

 

    M81 is a large and elongated spiral galaxy about 8.5 million light years away in the direction of the pan of the Big Dipper.  It has a bright nuclear center and very distinguishable spiral arms with corresponding dust lanes.  It also has an interesting near-by companion galaxy M82.  M82 is a very bright and elongated shaped galaxy in Ursa Major near the Big Dipper.  It is extends about 25,000 light years across.  M82 is classified as an "irregular" galaxy by it's peculiar shape and has an unusual red core and dark dust lane divisions towards the center.

 
 
Optics Camera ISO Exposure Mount/Guiding Processing Location Date
TEC 140 @ f7 Canon Rebel XT (350D) modified; Type 1a filter 1600 25 x 5 min G11; ST4 through TV85 Dark Subtract & stack in DeepSkyStacker; Levels & Curves in PS7; NeatImage noise reduction Inyokern Road near Red Rock Canyon, CA 10/8/08

Comments: Clear skies.  Average to poor seeing.