click here for a 50% size 1799x1220 (1080KB)
Click on the images below to find a black and white version for a better visibility of the Integrated Flux (538KB)
The images below show you a 80% view of the M81 and M82 galaxies (429KB)
| Optics | Borg ED101 at f/8.8 |
| Camera | STL11000M |
| Filters | Baader Halpha LRGB |
| Date | Mar 13-May 30, 2009 |
| Location | Antares Observatory |
| Sky Conditions | mag 5 sky, moonlight for H-alpha exposures |
| Exposure | L(Ha)RGB=750,(500),300,300,300min total: 35h 50min 15min subexposures for LRGB and 20min for H-alpha frames |
| Programs used | CCD-Stack, Registar, Photoshop CS4 |
This galaxy group clearly shows some interaction. As a result the edge-on galaxy M82 (upper right galaxy in the
image) undergoes a period of high star formation indicated by the ejection of hot gas and dust perpendicular to
the galaxy plane. Also, Holmberg IX (just above the central galaxy M81) is a result of the tidal interaction
between M81 and M82. It consists of torn out stars and dust.
To the right of M82 a very far distant galaxy cluster (NSC J095337+694751 with z=0.211) is visible. This light
has been travelling for about 2.5 Billion years!
The third prominent galaxy in the field of view is NGC3077 (to the left in the image). This galaxy is cataloged as
an irregular galaxy lying at a distance of 12.5 Million lightyears, also interacting with the central galaxy M81.
The whole Galaxy Group contains about 60 galaxies.
Beside these galaxies the whole image is covered by very faint dust bands. This structure is known as the Galactical
Cirrus or Integrated Flux. These dust particles are
illuminated by the light of the milkyway (our galaxy) and are therefore not connected to the M81 Galaxy Group.
click here for a 50% size 1799x1220 (1080KB)
Click on the images below to find a black and white version for a better visibility of the Integrated Flux (538KB)
The images below show you a 80% view of the M81 and M82 galaxies (429KB)