M81-M82 Imaged 2-22-20

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, about half the size of the Milky Way, in the constellation Ursa Major. Due to its proximity to Earth, large size, and active galactic nucleus (which harbors a 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.

 

Messier 82 (also known as NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy or M82) is a starburst galaxy approximately 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. A member of the M81 Group, it is about five times more luminous than the whole Milky Way and has a center one hundred times more luminous than our galaxy's center. The starburst activity is thought to have been triggered by interaction with neighboring galaxy M81. As the closest starburst galaxy to Earth, M82 is the prototypical example of this galaxy type. SN 2014J, a type Ia supernova, was discovered in the galaxy on 21 January 2014. In 2014, in studying M82, scientists discovered the brightest pulsar yet known, designated M82 X-2.

 

Imaged on 2/22/20.

 

Nikon D5300 Ha modified.

240 second subs at iso 800

IDAS LPS-D1 filter

About 4 hours total integration.

 

Celestron Advanced VX

Explore Scientific ED102 APO

Orion Magnificent Mini Autoguider

Astrophotography Tool, PHD2, Deepskystacker, Startools

 

This target was the first guided target that I images in February 2019.

I re-imaged M81-M82 with a Ha modded dslr, IDAS LPS D1 filter.

Improvement in the nebulous structures in M81 and the hydrogen splash from the core of M82.

Done