M81

M81 is a large and beautiful spiral galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major. Some of the tubulence seen in the arms are a result of the interaction with its nearest neighbors, most notably M82. M81 is also sometimes referred to as Bode's Nebula, for the discoverer. This image was taken at Chiefland during the CFAS Astrofest with the 10" Newtonian.

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Image info:

10" Homemade Newtonian on a Losmandy Titan Mount

Starlight Express
SXV-H9C

44x2 mins

f/4 with MPCC

Acquired in Astroart and processed in Maxim as an RGB image (no darks and no flats)

guided with an STV on a piggybacked Sky90 refractor

3.10.05

Chiefland