Messier 81
Ssc2003 06e

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/K. Gordon (University of Arizona)

Observation • November 24th, 2003 • ssc2003-06e

ssc2003-06e

The magnificent and dusty spiral arms of the nearby galaxy Messier 81 are highlighted in these NASA Spitzer Space Telescope images. Located in the northern constellation of Ursa Major (which also includes the Big Dipper), this galaxy is easily visible through binoculars or a small telescope. M81 is located at a distance of 12 million light-years.

The three-panel mosaic is a series of images obtained with the multiband imaging photometer. Thermal infrared emission at 24 microns (top), 70 microns (center) and 160 microns (bottom) is shown in the images. Note that the effective spatial resolution degrades as ones moves to longer wavelengths.

At these wavelengths, Spitzer sees the dust, rather than the stars, within the disc of silicates and carbonaceous grains. It is well-mixed with gas, which is best seen at radio wavelengths, to form the essential ingredients for future star formation.

About the Object

Name
Bode's GalaxyMessier 81M81NGC 3031UGC 5318
Type
Galaxy > Type > Spiral
Distance
12,000,000 Light Years
Redshift
-0.000113

Color Mapping

Band Wavelength Telescope
Infrared 24.0 µm Spitzer MIPS
Infrared 70.0 µm Spitzer MIPS
Infrared 160.0 µm Spitzer MIPS

Astrometrics

Position (J2000)
RA =9h 55m 34.0s
Dec = 69° 3' 54.9"
Field of View
23.5 x 17.9 arcminutes
Orientation
North is 268.7° left of vertical