M 81: Bode's Galaxy:
Object type: spiral galaxy, SA(s)ab
Constellation: Ursa Major
Date: 2008-02-10
Location: Postalm/ Austria (1300m)
Telescope: 80/480 TMB
Camera: SXV-h9
L: 7 x 900''
R: 4 x 500''
G: 4 x 500''
B: 4 x 500''
total exposure: 3.4h
Messier 81 (also known as NGC 3031 or Bode's Galaxy) is a spiral galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. M81 is one of the most striking examples of a grand design spiral galaxy, with near perfect arms spiraling into the very center. Because of its proximity to Earth, its large size, and its active galactic nucleus (which may harbor a supermassive black hole) Messier 81 is a popular galaxy to study in professional astronomy research. The galaxy's large size and relatively high apparent magnitude also make it a popular target for amateur astronomy observations