Messier 82 (also known as NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy or M82) is a starburst galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. It is about five times more luminous than the whole Milky Way and one hundred times more luminous than our galaxy’s center. The starburst activity is thought to be triggered by interaction with neighboring galaxy M81, and M82 is a member of the M81 Group. As the closest starburst galaxy to our own, M82 is the prototypical example of this type of galaxy. SN 2014J, a Type Ia supernova, was observed in the galaxy on 21 January 2014.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: Meade 10″ LX 200 ACF
Imaging cameras: Moravian G2-8300FW Moravian 8300
Mounts: Gemini g53F Gemini
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Meade 10″ LX 200 ACF
Guiding cameras: MagZero QHY5L-IIm
Software: PixInsight PinInsight 1.8
Filters: Astronomik LRGB 31 mm
Dates: Feb. 24, 2014
Frames:
Astronomik LRGB 31 mm: 11×900″ -30C bin 1×1
Astronomik LRGB 31 mm: 12×600″ -30C bin 2×2
Integration: 4.8 hours

Author: Marco Bocchini
AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI 17 Sep 2014