(Click here to see high resolution version ~0.9MB)
M82 (NGC 3034): The Cigar Galaxy
RA:09 55 50, Dec:+69 41 00, mag: 8.4, Size:9'x4', Dist: 12 Ml.y.
|
(Click here to see high resolution version ~0.9MB) |
||
| Object: | This galaxy, in the constellation of Ursa Major, is undergoing star formation due to an encounter 600 million years ago with galaxy M81 (see here here for a wide-field image of both galaxies). Although quite small, being only about 16,000 l.yr. across, M82 is a lovely telescopic site. It must be one of the most colourful galaxies to image. The irregular shape of the disk classifies it as a type Ir-II galaxy. | |
| Exposure: | L:21x300s, R:4x300s, G:4x300s, B:4x300s | |
| Equipment: | Orion Optics OMC 250mm f/9. 0.67 AP reducer. SXVF-H9 CCD [L:1x1 mode, RGB: 2x2 mode]. Astronomic filters. | |
| Location: | 1st Feb. 2008 23:00 UT, Oxford UK. | |
| Processing: | Images processed in MaximDL. Curves and offset filter in Photoshop CS. | |