Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Ursa Major (UMa)  ·  Contains:  Bode's Galaxy  ·  M 81  ·  NGC 3031
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M81     Johann Elert Bode's Galaxy, Steve Argereow
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M81 Johann Elert Bode's Galaxy

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
M81     Johann Elert Bode's Galaxy, Steve Argereow
Powered byPixInsight

M81 Johann Elert Bode's Galaxy

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Description

M81, also known as Bode's galaxy, is a large bright spiral galaxy located 11.8 million light-years away in the constellation of Ursa Major.  With an apparent magnitude of +6.9, it's easily visible with binoculars and is a superb target for all sizes of telescopes.  This galaxy is a striking example of a grand design spiral and exhibits near perfect and well- defined spiral arms imaging target for amateur astronomers. Both M81 and M82 were discovered by Johann Elert Bode on December 31, 1774.  Bode is also the Astronomer who was credited with "Bode's Law" and determined the orbit of Uranus and suggested the planet's name.
M81 is 11.8 million light-years away, 90,000 light-years in diameter, with >250 billion stars.

Information Credits: Home Free Star Charts

Telescope:   Explore Scientific 127mm CF APO Refractor f/5.25 667mm

Mount  IOptron CEM40

Camera ZWO2600MC   Temp -10C Binning 1 x 1
ZWO EFW
81 X 240 Second Exposures W/Optolong L-Pro      Gain 100 Offset    50  
30 Dark Frames/ and Flats

Total Integration Time:  4 Hours 16 Minutes
Acquisition with SharpCap
Stacked with Deep Sky Stacker
Guiding PHD2
Processed with Astra Image

Photo taken from Seven Lakes, NC:  Bortle 4.5

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M81     Johann Elert Bode's Galaxy, Steve Argereow