M81, also known as Bode's Galaxy, stands as a beacon of cosmic brilliance in the constellation Ursa Major. Located approximately 12 million light-years away from Earth, this majestic spiral galaxy captivates astronomers and stargazers alike with its striking appearance and intricate structure.

At the heart of M81 lies a bustling hub of stellar activity, where bright, young stars illuminate the surrounding spiral arms with their intense light. These spiral arms, adorned with intricate dust lanes and star-forming regions, spiral outward from the galaxy's central bulge, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of cosmic splendor.

Named after the German astronomer Johann Elert Bode, who first discovered it in 1774, M81 continues to intrigue scientists with its dynamic nature and unique features. Its proximity to Earth and relatively face-on orientation make it an ideal target for detailed observations, offering valuable insights into the processes of galaxy formation and evolution. As astronomers peer deeper into the depths of M81, they uncover the secrets of the universe, unraveling the mysteries of cosmic history and inspiring wonder and awe in all who gaze upon its celestial beauty.

Image Description and Details :

Discovered by the German astronomer Johann Elert Bode in 1774, M81 is one of the brightest galaxies in the night sky. It is located 11.6 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major and has an apparent magnitude of 6.9.
This Image was captured over two winters with 4 different telescopes spanning from 8" to 12" for a total of 17 hours of exposure using LRGBHa Filters and a monochrome camera.

Copyright: Matthew Proulx

Image Description and Details :

Bode's Galaxy, the Cigar Galaxy, and the Integrated Flux Nebula January 6 - January 28 2022 Rowe, NM 305mm Riccardi-Honders @ f/3.8 AP1100 GTO AE Mount, Unguided QHY600PH monochrome @-20*CChroma 50mm x 50mm filtersHaLRGB66.3 hours total integration time

Copyright: Jared Willson