March 12, 2021

Bode’s Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy

Messier 81 (left), also known as NGC 3031 or Bode’s Galax, is a grand design spiral galaxy about 12 million light-years away, with a diameter of 90,000 light years, in the constellation Ursa Major.

Messier 82 (right), also known as NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy or M82, is a starburst galaxy approximately 12 million light-years away. It is about five times more luminous than the Milky Way and has a center one hundred times more luminous. The starburst activity is thought to have been triggered by interaction with neighboring galaxy M81.

RA: 09h55m42s.5
DEC: +69°06′10″