M81 and M82 are an interesting galaxy pair with very different shapes. M81 is a spiral called Bode’s galaxy. M82, the Cigar Galaxy is either an irregular or a spiral on edge that has something violent going on in its central region. This is thought to be tidal force induced starburst activity as a result of interaction with M81. This image is a composite from two sessions with a total exposure time of 2.5 hours.
Details:-
Session 1Location and date: DAO near Victoria BC on Jan 11, 2007
Conditions:- A cold night, -4deg C with a nasty wind chill
Equipment: Williams 105mm with 0.8x focal reducer and Canon 30D camera on HEQ5 mount.
Exposures: 78 60 sec. light, 17 Dark and 10 flat frames.
Session 2
Date and Location:- 2008-08-04 at Llan-y-glynn Farm near Courtney, BC.
Conditions:- Very dark moonless night and 18 deg C.
Equipment:- WO 105mm on HEQ5 mount with modified Canon 350D camera.
Exposures:- 72 light and 31 dark frames each 60s at ISO 1600.
Processing in Images Plus, Photoshop and Astronomy Tools