This pair of galaxies is a popular target for astronomers. Located in Ursa Major (the Big Dipper) and each about 12 million light years from Earth, the Cigar Galaxy is on the left and Bode’s on the right.

This exposure includes hydrogen-alpha data, which produces the red “wings” on the Cigar and spots in Bode’s. This red portion is not visible to human observers, so the cigar shape is more apparent visually.

 Scope: AT111EDT at f/5.6
Mount: AP Mach1GTO
Camera: QSI 583 at –15C
Exposure: (about 3 hours total)