M81 (Bode’s Galaxy) and M82 (Cigar Galaxy) are two striking galaxies in the constellation Ursa Major, about 12 million light years from Earth. M81 presents pronounced spiral arms and a glowing central region, while M82 stands out for its unusual, dusty structure and intense star formation.
In the widefield image, smaller galaxies such as NGC 2976, NGC 3077, NGC 2959 and NGC 2961 can also be seen. The galactic cirrus is already clearly visible.
| IMAGE DATA | |
|---|---|
| Object | M81 & M82 |
| Distance | approx. 12 million light years |
| Date | 11.05., 12.05. & 19.06.2024 |
| Exposure | Each 37x 180sec. RGB & 96x 180sec. Luminance - Total approx. 10.3h |
| Mount | Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro |
| Telescope | William Optics Redcat 51 |
| Camera | ZWO ASI 2600mm with ZWO LRGB-Filtern |
| Guiding | Zwo Asi OAG with ZWO Asi 290mm Mini & Asiair |
| Software | AsiAir, Astropixel Processor, Photoshop CC, Topaz Deniose AI, Star X Terminator |