Bode's Galaxy

[Bill Richards]

Bode's Galaxy (aka M81) is about 12 million light-years away - a close neighbor in galactic terms, one of the nearest galaxies beyond the "Local Group". With prominent, clearly defined spiral arms, it is an excellent example of a grand design spiral galaxy and a favorite target of amateur astrophotographers. The reddish-brown dust-trails are star-forming regions.

This is the result of 3-1/2 hours of exposure time taken on 2/13/2024 under "windier-than-I-would-like" conditions hence, not as sharp as it could be).

Equipment and Software:
=======================
Mount: iOption CEM40 w/iPolar
Telescope: Celestron EdgeHD 8 w/0.7x focal reducer
Auto-Focuser: Rigel Systems nFOCUS
Imaging Camera: ASI2600MC-Pro
Guide Camera: ASI174MM-Mini on OAG
Imaging Software: NINA
Guiding Software: PHD2
Image Processing Software: PixInsight

Exposure Details:
=================
Camera Temperature -15C
Bias: 50
Gain: 100
68 x 180s
Plus 32x Darks, Flats, and Dark Flats

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[AlanLichty]

Looks like the textbook scene of what a spiral armed galaxy should look like. Looks nice to my non-astro eyes.

 

[JimFox]

Very cool Bill! I wish I could have made it down there.

Your 8" Edge is really working well. I like the Ha in this too. It looks like you didn't use any filter on this?

 

[Bill Richards]

Very cool Bill! I wish I could have made it down there.

Your 8" Edge is really working well. I like the Ha in this too. It looks like you didn't use any filter on this?

Hey Jim,

No, no filter. Just a series of 180s exposures. I would have liked to go with 4 or 5 minute exposures but the 3-5 MPH breeze was already affecting the HFR.

 

[Comet Hunter]

Pretty

 

[Douglas Sherman]

Beautiful capture, Bill. Textbook worthy.

 

[Mike Lewis]

Very nice view of this iconic galaxy. easy to capture but in my experience not as easy to produce a top quality image as you would think. This renditions fits that bill however.

ML