M81 and M82
In this image three galaxies of the M81 group can be seen - M82 near the bottom, M81 left of center and the fainter NGC 3077 in the upper right. These galaxies interact strongly with each other despite the great distances that separate them. M81 is a large spiral galaxy with a very active galactic core. M82 is a bright edge-on spiral galaxy with a super active starburst region. It was also at the center of the astronomical world not long ago when a new supernova was observed. NGC 3077 is a hotbed of new star formation and is located approximately 13 million light years from earth.
Exposure: William Optics Star71 @ 348mm (f/4.9), Atik 460EX mono. L:Ha:R:G:B = 150m:60m:42m:42m:42m (RGB bin 2x2). Dates: Nov 21 & 25, 2014.
OTA: William Optics Star71
Camera: Atik 460ex w/EFW2 filter wheel
Filters: Astrodon Ha/LRGB
Mount: AP Mach1
Exposure: L:Ha:R:G:B 150:60:42:42:42 (m) rgb bin 2x2
Data obtained: November 2014