Observation • December 18th, 2003 • ssc2003-06d2
ssc2003-06d2
This image shows a visible-light view of the nearby galaxy Messier 81 (M81). Located in the northern constellation of Ursa Major (which also includes the Big Dipper), M81 is easily visible through binoculars or a small telescope. M81 is located at a distance of 12 million light-years. This image was obtained with a ground-based telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory and traces the distribution of stars in M81. The image reveals a very smooth stellar mass distribution, with the spiral arms relatively subdued.
About the Object
Color Mapping
Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
Optical | 440 nm | NOAO |
Optical | 550 nm | NOAO |
Optical | 700 nm | NOAO |
Astrometrics