Bode's Galaxy (M81)

Bode's Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 11.7 million light-years away, and is the largest galaxy in the M81 Group, a group of 34 galaxies located in the constellation Ursa Major. Messier 81 is dubbed "Bode's Galaxy" after Johann Elert Bode who first discovered it in 1774, but was re-identified by Charles Messier when he compiled his catalog (The Messier Catalog) in 1779.

Photo Details

• Credit: Will Jackson, Kevin Bartee
• Date Captured: Tue, 12/28/2010
• Exposure: 164 minutes
• Telescope: Meade 14" LX200-ACF 3556mm f/10