M81 - Bode's Galaxy (Chris Gifford)

Celestial hemisphere: Northern · Constellation: Ursa Major (UMa) · Contains: Bode's Galaxy · Cigar Galaxy · M 81 · M 82 · NGC 2976 · NGC 3031 · NGC 3034 · NGC 3077

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M81 - Bode's Galaxy

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M81 - Bode's Galaxy

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. In late February 2022, astronomers reported that M81 may be the source of FRB 20200120E, a repeating fast radio burst.

The galaxy is to be found approximately 10° northwest of Alpha Ursae Majoris (Dubhe) along with several other galaxies in the Messier 81 Group. Its apparent magnitude due to its distance means it requires a good night sky and only rises very briefly and extremely low at its southernmost limit from Earth's surface, about the 20th parallel south.

Messier 81 and Messier 82 are considered ideal for viewing using binoculars and small telescopes. The two objects are generally not observable to the unaided eye, although highly experienced amateur astronomers may be able to see Messier 81 under exceptional observing conditions with a very dark sky. Telescopes with apertures of 8 inches (20 cm) or larger are needed to distinguish structures in the galaxy.

Pretty wide FOV here about 430mm. Not much in the way of nebulae available to me right now and it's getting on to be galaxy season, so I turned the sights to the northeast, about one the few clear sections of the sky I have. Tiny it is in my little scope.

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The “AstroBin Image of the Day and Top Picks”, or IOTD/TP, is a long-running system to promote beautiful, interesting, peculiar, or otherwise amazing astrophotographs, with a focus on technical excellence. Learn more.

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Status	Advanced failed
Started	...
Astrometry.net job	5550139
PixInsight job	6RCL2EQSYK9NM4C3OK2H3TY5X9VPP1LK
PixInsight queue size	n/a
PixInsight stage	PLATE_SOLVING_IMAGE

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M81 - Bode's Galaxy

M81 - Bode's Galaxy

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