- Object Information:
- Messier 82
- Also known by the designation NGC 3034, this unusual galaxy is approximately 12 million light years distant.
- Messier 82 was first described by Johann Bode in 1774 as a "nebulous patch" near its companion galaxy, Messier 81. Charles Messier added this object to his famous catalog in 1779.
- Messier 82 has been classified by astronomers as a "starburst galaxy" which is making new stars at a rate 10 times faster than our own Milky Way Galaxy. Messier 82 is also five times brighter than the Milky Way.
- Astronomers also believe that the flame-like red plumes of glowing hydrogen gas seen above and below the center of Messier 82 are caused by the intense star formation activity at the center of this galaxy.
- The links directly below will take you to additional information and pictures of this very interesting galaxy:
- Absolute Astronomy link.
- Hubble Space Telescope site link.
- Imaged at:
- Shelter Valley, San Diego County, California
- February 13, 14, 2010
- Equipment:
- Optics - RC Optical Systems 10" Ritchey-Chretien at f/9
- Mount - Astro-Physics AP 1200 GTO
- Camera - Santa Barbara Instrument Group (SBIG) ST-10XME
- Exposure Information:
- Luminance - 15 x 8 minute sub exposures.
- RGB data - 32 minutes per color channel, binned 2x2.
All images Copyright © by Dean Jacobsen, 2010
Use of any image contained within this web site without the prior written consent of the author is strictly prohibited.
Contact Dean at Webmaster for more information.
Use of any image contained within this web site without the prior written consent of the author is strictly prohibited.
Contact Dean at Webmaster for more information.