M81

 

          M81 is a large and elongated spiral galaxy about 8.5 million light years away in the direction of the pan of the Big Dipper.  It has a bright nuclear center and very distinguishable spiral arms with corresponding dust lanes.  It also has an interesting near-by companion galaxy M82.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Optics Camera Film Exposure Mount/Guiding Scanning Processing Location Date
10" SCT @ f7.5 Nikon F Provia 400F pushed +2 2 x 60 min G11 with ST4 on GEG Minolta Scan Dual II Levels/Curves in PS; Registered & stacked in Registar; mild BGSmooth to reduce grain Inyokern, CA 12/8/02

Comments: Average to poor seeing.  No wind.  Guided well.