Image taken from the NTU telescope

This image shows the spiral galaxy, M81, which is 11.8 million light years away from Earth. M81 is the largest member of a group of galaxies, which are the closest to our own group of galaxies.

Scientists believe the spiral arms of the galaxy have actually been generated by the interaction with its close companion M82. M82 is a galaxy also included in our gallery; have a look at what this interaction has done to M82.

The image was taken using the NTU 0.5m telescope on the 17 June, 2009. It is a combination of 13 images in the V band (green) with a total exposure time of 19.5 minutes.

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