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    The dynamic duo, Messier 81 and 82

    Date: 07 Jan 2004
    Satellite: Hubble
    Depicts: M81 and M82
    Copyright: Credit: Robert Gendler (http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/)

    This wide-angle image taken by astrophotographer Robert Gendler shows the amazing duo of Messier 81 (right) and Messier 82 (left). These two mighty galaxies in the Plough (Ursa Major) belong to some of the most famous and beloved galaxies known to amateur astronomers. This may be one of the reasons that Supernova 1993J was discovered by the Spanish amateur astronomer Francisco Garcia Diaz and not a professional astronomer.

    The violent star-forming activity in the neighbouring Messier 82 gives rise to a strong galactic wind that is spewing knotty filaments of hydrogen and nitrogen gas (seen in red) out of its centre.


    Last Update: 01 Jun 2005

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    • See also
    • First supernova companion star found [heic0401]

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