Bode’s and Cigar Galaxies. 2 Galaxies, 2 States.

The Cigar Galaxy M81 and Bode’s Galaxy M82 are a dynamic duo located in Ursa Major, otherwise known as the Big Dipper. M82 (left) is 12 million light years away, while M81 (right) is 11.6 million light years away. The two interact, causing the Cigar Galaxy to rapidly form stars, known as a Starburst. This image is comprised of both narrow band and broadband data. The broadband RGB data was captured near Ely Nevada. In true bortle 1 skies. The Ha data was captured in Oakley Idaho, in bortle 2 skies. I used a method called continuum subtraction to add the Ha data to the RGB data. Adding the red/pink nebulosity in both galaxies. Capturing both sets of data was very cold. I was camping, and in the middle of nowhere. The only difference is the Polar Axis was 41 degrees in Idaho, and 39 degrees in Nevada. This is the only image I have taken outside of Utah. What an adventure to visit 2 states for one picture.

Acquisition Details:

6.5 hours RGB integration time

6.3 hours Ha integration time

Mount: Star Adventurer GTI

Telescope: SVBony SV503 70ED

Filters: SVBony Sv220 Filter, Broadband. No filter used

Autoguiding: 120mm Mini and 30mm scope

Processing: Pixinsight and Photoshop

Facts Source: ““Messier 82 (the Cigar Galaxy) - NASA Science.” NASA, NASA, 25 Aug. 2024, science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/science/explore-the-night-sky/hubble-messier-catalog/messier-82/.”