Object Data:

Constellation -  Ursa Major

Apparent Magnitude - 6.9

Distance - 12,000 light years

Apparent Size-21x10 Arc Minutes

Image Data:

Dates: March 2010 - January 2011

Telescope: Astrotech 8” Ritchey Chretien

Mount: Orion Atlas Eq-G

Camera: SBIG St8300M

Filters: Astrodon LRGB & Ha

Exposure Details

L:Ha:R:G:B

210:100:165:195:210

Description:

The Grand-Spiral Design Galaxy Messier 81 is one of the most observed spiral galaxies in the northern skies. It is located about 12 Million light years away in the constellation Ursa Major, and is just outside our local group of galaxies. At magnitude 6.9, some observers have claimed to have seen Messier 81 to the un-aided eye from dark sky locations. Tens of Millions of years ago, Messier 81 had a close encounter with the Starburst Galaxy, Messier 82, and the after effects can be seen today. The dust lane to the left of Messier 81’s galactic center was likely formed during this close encounter, and Messier 82’s shape was drastically altered. Today these galaxies are located relatively close together at about 150,000 Light years apart.

Text adapted from SEDS.ORG