The
Bode galaxy, M81 is the brightest one in its group and it is pretty
close to the Cigar galaxy, M82. Some 50 million years ago there was a
close encounter between both galaxies. M81, much more massive,
dramatically deformed M82 by gravitational interaction, strengthening
its own spiral structure.
In the shown field also the IFN (integrated flux nebula) can be seen.
IFN is formed by dust clouds illuminated by the integrated light of all
the stars in the galaxy.
Distance to earth: 12,000,000 light years
Aparent magnitude: 6.9 and 8.4 respectively
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