M81 Bode's Galaxy
Named after its discoverer, John Bode, M81 is a relatively close 12 million light-years from Earth. The length of the galaxy is about 100,000 light-years. Interstellar dust has been detected in the spiral arms which are believed to be star formation regions. About 1/2 deg north lies M82, a smaller galaxy associated to M81 through gravity. North is at the top.

Scope/Mount: AstroTech AT8RC 8" F8 Ritchey-Chretien with Astro-Physics CCDT67 Focal Reducer, Celestron CI-700 Mount
Camera: Orion StarShoot Pro V2 one-shot color
Guiding: QHY5L-IIM through Orion Deluxe OAG, PHD guiding software
Exposure: (24) 10 min
Software: Nebulosity, PhotoShop CS2
Comment: 04-29-2017, Tierra del Sol, CA, good conditions.