Messier 81 (Bode’s Galaxy) & Messier 82 (Cigar Galaxy)

Messier 81 (Bode's Galaxy) & Messier 82 (Cigar Galaxy)

LRGB image

 

 

Target Information

  • ALTERNATIVE DESIGNATION(S):
    • Messier 81 (left): M81, NGC 3031, Bode’s Galaxy
    • Messier 82 (right): M82, NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy
  • TYPE:
    • Messier 81:  spiral galaxy
    • Messier 82:  starburst galaxy
  • CONSTELLATION:  Ursa Major (both)
  • DISTANCE:  12 million light years (both)

Imaging Information

  • IMAGING DATE(S):  March 2016, April 2016
  • L:  10 min subs x 15, Bin 1×1
  • R:  5 min subs x 10, Bin 2×2
  • G:  5 min subs x 10, Bin 2×2
  • B:  5 min subs x 10, Bin 2×2
  • TOTAL EXPOSURE TIME:  300 mins = 5 hrs

Equipment

  • TELESCOPE:  Takahashi TOA-130F
  • MOUNT:  Software Bisque Paramount ME
  • CAMERA:  SBIG STL-11000XM
  • GUIDING:  TC-237 (internal autoguide chip)
  • FILTERS:  Astrodon
  • IMAGE ACQUISITION SOFTWARE:  TheSkyX, CCDAP5
  • PROCESSING SOFTWARE:  PixInsight