M81 & M82

Spiral & Edge-on galaxies in Ursa Major

RA: (M81) 09h 54m
DEC: +69º 09´
Mag: 7.9
RA: (M82) 09h 54m
DEC: +69º 47´
Mag: 8.8


 Scope/lens: C6 f/5
Mount: GM 8
Guiding: ST-4 autoguider
Guidescope: 80mm refractor (400mm-f/5)
Film: Fujicolor Superia 400
Exposure: 30 minutes
Camino Cielo Rd., Santa Barbara County, CA
Date: 4/17/99

These two objects are one of the first deep sky targets for beginning astronomers. Situated close to each other they present the classic spiaral and edge-on galaxy profiles in the norther sky.

M81 is thought to be an exploding galaxy due to the radiating filaments seen within its cigar shaped profile. In a large scope individual stars can be detected with M82's spiral arms.

© 1999 Anthony Galván III
All rights reserved. Any use without written permission is prohibited.