Bode's (M81) and Cigar (M82) galaxies in Ursa Major

Located in the constellation Ursa Major, almost 12 million light years

away from our Solar neighborhood, this famous pair of galaxies is a

favorite observational and photographic target for professional and

amateur astronomers as well.

At the heart of M81 lies a supermassive black hole, while its

gravitational companion M82 is almost five times more luminous than

our Milky Way galaxy.

I am really very glad with the final result and not without serious

reasons.

Firstly because, I re-discovered these 26 sub-exposures well after

some years. Then because it was a really demanding job, as the

sub-exposures were of poor quality, taken with my old Celestron ED80.

But the result is finally acceptable, enough I think to share it here.

Your comments and critique are as always welcomed.

I have always loved astrophotography and these are simply wonderful.  I see the immenseness of the universe which helps put into perspective how much we still have to learn about our place in it.

Great work, my dear friend!