Bode’s Galaxy - M81
Bode's galaxy, designated M81, is located about 12 million light years from Earth and has a diameter of 90,000 light years. M81 is a "grand design" galaxy. A grand design galaxy is a type of spiral galaxy with prominent and well-defined spiral arms. Only about 10% of all currently known spiral galaxies hold the grand design designation.
The galaxy is named after the German astronomer Johann Elert Bode (1747-1826). He served as director of the Berlin Observatory from 1786 to 1825. Bode is also credited with naming the seventh planet from the sun (Uranus).
Exposure: Blue: 85x180" (4h 15') bin 2x2; Green: 79x180" (3h 57') bin 2x2; Lum: 325x180" (16h 15'); Red: 88x180" (4h 24') bin 2x2; Total Integration: 28h 51'