The photo shows M81 (Bode Galaxy), M82 (Cigar Galaxy) and NGC 3077 – three prominent members of the M81 Group, which together form one of the most famous galaxy trios in the northern sky.
M81 (Bode Galaxy)
M81 is the largest and brightest galaxy in the group: a massive spiral galaxy about 90,000 light-years across and about 11.8 million light-years away.
It is notable for its well-ordered spiral arms, bright central region, and gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies.
M82 (Cigar Galaxy)
M82, or the “Cigar Galaxy”, is an elongated, irregular galaxy about 37,000 light-years across and about 12 million light-years away.
Its characteristic “cigar” shape was formed by gravitational interactions, and its dust and gas ejections provide a special spectacle in the photo.
NGC 3077
NGC 3077 is a smaller, irregularly shaped galaxy, about 20,000 light-years in diameter, located about 12.8 million light-years from us.
Its uniqueness lies in its nearby gravitational interactions: its dusty gas plumes point towards neighboring galaxies, so the trio forms a dynamic, interconnected system.
The gravitational dance between the galaxies is clearly visible in a single, wide-angle image
SkyWatcher Esprit 100EDX
SkyWatcher EQ6-R Pro GoTo
ZWO Asi2600mm Pro
ZWO Filter Changer 7x36mm
Antlia Ha 3nm + RGB V-pro 36mm
ZWO EAF Motorized Focuser
ZWO ASIAr Pro
ZWO Asi120mm Mini
Svbony SV106 60 mm
184 x 300s L
90 x 300s R
90 x 300s G
90 x 300s B
60 x 600s Ha
Total 47 hours 50 minutes
by Due-Leading5413