spitzer_ssc2003-06d2 December 18th, 2003
Credit: N.A. Sharp (NOAO/AURA/NSF)
This image shows a visible-light view of the nearby galaxy Messier 81 (M81). Located in the northern constellation of Ursa Major (which also includes the Big Dipper), M81 is easily visible through binoculars or a small telescope. M81 is located at a distance of 12 million light-years. This image was obtained with a ground-based telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory and traces the distribution of stars in M81. The image reveals a very smooth stellar mass distribution, with the spiral arms relatively subdued.
Provider: Spitzer Space Telescope
Image Source: http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/images/1078-ssc2003-06d2-Visible-light-view-of-Messier-81
Curator: Spitzer Space Telescope, Pasadena, CA, USA
Image Use Policy: http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/info/18-Image-Use-Policy
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