M81 and M82

[stevewanstall]

Bode's Galaxy in Ursa Major

 

 The previous night I had collected five hours of data on M106 to find that DSS couldn't find enough stars in the subs!!  I think it must be the contrast reducing effect of a full moon. I need to revisit that one to be sure.

 

Anyway, in order to check it wasn't a problem with DSS, I took some more subs of M81 and then combined them with ones I took in April last year. So, around 5 hours of L and 40 mins each of R, G and B.

 

M82 Cigar Galaxy in Ursa Major

 

 A beautifully clear, moonless night. Last session I had imaged Bode's Nebula, so I though I would do its companion, M82 tonight. Around 32 mins in RG and B and 102 mins in L, all at 1x1, gain 139.

 

 

Wikipedia:

 

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 Milky Way and has a centre one hundred times more luminous. The starburst activity is thought to have been triggered by interaction with neighbouring 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.

[MartinB]

They are a pair of corkers Steve!   There is a green tinge in M81 which can easily be moved, in fact I downloaded it and did it, Looked peachy perfect then to my eyes.

[stevewanstall]

Thanks for the feedback, I shall have a go!

[dannybgoode]

Nice - I like your M82 in particular.  Your M81 has bags of detail however the focus is a little soft, something that I often get wrong also.  Do you have a Bahtinov mask to help with getting the focus just so?  If not it is a worthwhile investment and they can be had for cheap.