Messier 81 (also known as NGC 3031 or Bode’s Galaxy) is a grand design spiral galaxy about 12 million light-years away, with a diameter of 90,000 light years, in the constellation Ursa Major. Due to its proximity to our galaxy, large size, and active galactic nucleus (which harbors a 70 million M☉ supermassive black hole), Messier 81 has been studied extensively by professional astronomers. The galaxy’s large size and relatively high brightness also makes it a popular target for amateur astronomers.

Telescope: Astro Physics 175EDF f8.3
Mount: Astro Physics 3600GTO “El Capitan”
Camera: SBIG STT8300
Guider: SBIG FW8G OAG(Guided Filter Wheel)

L: 17×10 mins = 170 mins, R: 10×10 mins = 100 mins, G: 14×10 mins = 140 mins, B: 12×10 mins = 120 mins

Total Imaging Time: 8h 50m

Data Imaged remotely over 3 nights during February & March 2016.
Data acquisition & Processing by David Churchill.

None