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The M82 galaxy, also known as Messier 82 or NGC 3034, is a starburst galaxy located in the Ursa Major constellation. It is a magnificent sight to behold, boasting a stunning array of features and characteristics that make it a fascinating subject for astronomers and stargazers alike. In this article, we will explore the many wonders of the M82 galaxy, including its structure, composition, history, and more.
What is the M82 Galaxy?
The M82 galaxy is a spiral galaxy located approximately 12 million light-years away from Earth. It is a member of the M81 group of galaxies, which includes several other nearby galaxies. The M82 galaxy is notable for its irregular shape, caused by the gravitational pull of its neighboring galaxies.
Characteristics and Features
The M82 galaxy is known for its intense starburst activity, which is the result of a high rate of star formation. This activity is concentrated in the galaxy’s central region, which is surrounded by a thick ring of dust and gas. The galaxy also contains several bright star clusters, as well as several supernova remnants.
The M82 galaxy is also home to a supermassive black hole at its center, which is estimated to be approximately 100 million times the mass of the Sun. This black hole is responsible for the intense radio emissions observed coming from the galaxy.
History and Discovery
The M82 galaxy was first discovered by Johann Elert Bode in 1774, and later cataloged by Charles Messier in 1781. Its irregular shape was not discovered until the early 20th century, when astronomers began to study the galaxy in more detail.
In 2005, the galaxy made headlines when a team of astronomers discovered a gamma-ray burst originating from the galaxy. This burst, known as GRB 050509B, was one of the brightest ever observed and provided valuable insights into the nature of gamma-ray bursts.
Conclusion
The M82 galaxy is a truly magnificent sight to behold, with its irregular shape, intense starburst activity, and supermassive black hole. It is a subject of ongoing research and study for astronomers around the world, and is sure to continue to captivate stargazers for generations to come.
Image technical:
- Starfield Optics 8″ Astrograph (native F4) http://bit.ly/3WOrKsf
- Starizona NEXUS .75 reducer/coma corrector for F3 https://bit.ly/3MCijaB
- QHY268M CMOS Camera (https://bit.ly/3Aj23FE), 26mp, 3.76um @ -10C
- QHY CFW3-L 7 position https://bit.ly/3IiYoxY
- Optolong filters (HaLRGB) https://bit.ly/3WQd5N7
- Skywatcher EQ6 mount https://bit.ly/3jEonpC / Skyshed Pier (Skyshedpod.com)
- Pegasus Astro Focus Cube https://bit.ly/2NDdEb2
- NINA 2.0 for acquisition https://nighttime-imaging.eu/
- Processed in PixInsight
- Seeing and transparency: average to good
- Total integration time: Unknown (1min subs at high gain)
- Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
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My story began more than 40 years ago looking up at the Moon with a small telescope my Father had. Encouraged by my parents, who bought me my very own telescope, a 4.5″ reflector, I began to explore the night sky from my family home backyard. Today I do astrophotography from my home in Kitchener, Ontario and also with remote telescopes located in New Mexico and Australia. Some of my images have won awards and have been featured online and in magazines.
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