Bode’s Galaxy (M81) and the Cigar Galaxy (M82) surrounded by a faint integrated flux nebula (IFN) - NASA APOD 230120 :-) (Andreas Kohler)

Bode’s Galaxy (M81) and the Cigar Galaxy (M82) surrounded by a faint integrated flux nebula (IFN) - NASA APOD 230120 :-)

Link: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230120.html

Bode’s Galaxy (M81) and the Cigar Galaxy (M82) surrounded by a faint integrated flux nebula (IFN), approximately 12 million light-years from earth.

The M81 group consists of 34 galaxies and is relatively close to our own galaxy group (the local group). The M81- and local group are both part of the Virgo supercluster (consisting of at least 100 galaxies). I annotated several galaxies visible in my image (see second picture attached).
However, in this image are not only galaxies of the M81 group, but also very distant galaxies. Clearly visible is for example UGC 5210, approx. 220 million light-years from earth. The light you see from this galaxy started its journey when the first dinosaurs lived on our planet. The farthest galaxy I could spot is PGC 2721118. It appears as a small fuzzy dot and is 580 million light-years from earth. It’s light started its journey before animals lived on land!

The real highlight in this image, however, is the integrated flux nebula (IFN, the faint nebulosity all over the image). This nebula lies beyond the main body of the Milky Way. It is a component of the interstellar medium, composed of dust particles, hydrogen and other elements. It is illuminated by the energy from the integrated flux of all the stars in our galaxy. It is extremely difficult to shoot, as it requires very dark skies, long integration time and careful processing. Thus, I’m very satisfied that I could capture it as a beginner in my first attempt!

I'm also very proud that this image was selected by NASA as Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) of 20 January 2023!

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230120.html

_______________________________
📸: Canon EOS R6 (stock)
🔭: Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L | EQ-modified Skywatcher AZ GTI
⚙️: 110 x 60 sec (1h 50min, unguided) • f/8 • 500 mm • 3200 ISO
📍: Telfs, Austria 🇦🇹; Bortle 3
🌔: 28 % Waxing Crescent
✍️: SiriL; GIMP; Darktable, StarNet

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