Gallery Index

M81 / M82

Bode and Cigar Galaxies

A wide 2022 revision of the M81 and M82 galaxy field

TypeGalaxy ConstellationUrsa Major SeasonSpring PaletteBroadband RGB
Image Details

Capture summary

Catalog M81 / M82

Galaxy in Ursa Major

Exposure Broadband integration

Broadband RGB

Filters Broadband RGB

Broadband integration

Frame 2022

Spring target / wide composition

Exposure Breakdown Broadband integration

Detailed filter totals have not been entered for this image yet.

Same target, different years.

Older revisions stay in the archive so you can see how the target changed with different equipment, processing, and experience.

The later M81 and M82 revision includes the surrounding field and faint galactic structure from the 2022 run.

This frame remains part of the Lost Photons archive.

Target Planner

Galaxy in Ursa Major; best planned for March through May from New Jersey.

Best season March through May

Spring favors higher galaxy fields and northern targets after evening twilight.

Good from NJ Late winter through spring evenings

Assumes a New Jersey backyard horizon and evening imaging.

Object type Galaxy

Prioritize transparency, darker skies, and long broadband integration.

Constellation Ursa Major

M81 / M82 is listed here in Ursa Major.

Moon tolerance Best near new moon.

Current frame: Broadband RGB / Broadband integration.

Planning from Sewell, NJ

Calculating target altitude and moon context.

Check your location Open full planner

Use the full planner to enter a ZIP code, choose a date, and compare the target from your sky.

Planning values are approximate and update in your browser.

Planning site Sewell, NJ 39.7700, -75.1400
Current altitude ...

Based on the current time.

Target transit chart Compact altitude curve for this target over a full day. Target ...

Green marks usable dark-sky altitude.

Next transit ...

Next upper transit.

Rise / set ...

Approximate horizon crossing.

Moon now ...

Moon phase and altitude.