Nights at Melinda Heights

Name: M81 + M82
Alternate Names: M81 = NGC 3031, Bodes Galaxy M82 = NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy
Constellation: Ursa Major
Distance: 11,500,000 Light Years
Magnitude: M81-6.9 M82-8.4
Size: M81- 26.9 x 14.1 Arc Minutes M82- 11.2 x 4.3 Arc Minutes
Type: M81- Spiral Galaxy M82- Edge on Starburst
Discovered: Johann Elert Bode December 31, 1774
Fun Facts: M81 is the larger galaxy in the above image. It is interacting gravitationally with the
smaller M82. This is causing an inflow of gas in to the core of M82 causing a Starburst.
A Starburst is an area of unusually high star formation.

Telescope: Televue NP101
Camera: QSI 683
Mount: Losmandy G11
Exposure: L=9×300 Seconds R=9×300 Seconds G=9×300 Seconds B=9×300 Seconds