Bodes Galaxy (M81) is classified as a grand design spiral galaxy. It was named after Johann Bode who discovered it in 1774. He described it as "a nebulous patch which appears mostly
round and has a dense nucleus in the middle". The faint "smudge" above Bodes is a dwarf satellite galaxy named Holmberg IX. Bodes Galaxy is certainly one of the most beautiful objects
in the night sky and can be seen (under dark skies) without the aid of binoculars.
I had previously imaged this galaxy (with my VC200L) but was never completely happy with the result - so I decided to give it another try when I got the Esprit 120.
OTA: Skywatcher Esprit 120
Camera: Atik 460ex
Filters: Astrodon LRGB gen2
Mount: AP Mach1
Exposure: L:R:G:B 180m:90:90:90 (RGB bin 2x2)
Data obtained: May/June 2016