Download Image
About the Image
About the Object
Color Mapping
Astrometrics
Messier 81
The magnificent and dusty spiral arms of the nearby galaxy Messier 81 are highlighted in these NASA Spitzer Space Telescope images. Located in the northern constellation of Ursa Major (which also includes the Big Dipper), this galaxy is easily visible through binoculars or a small telescope. M81 is located at a distance of 12 million light-years.
The three-panel mosaic is a series of images obtained with the multiband imaging photometer. Thermal infrared emission at 24 microns (top), 70 microns (center) and 160 microns (bottom) is shown in the images. Note that the effective spatial resolution degrades as ones moves to longer wavelengths.
At these wavelengths, Spitzer sees the dust, rather than the stars, within the disc of silicates and carbonaceous grains. It is well-mixed with gas, which is best seen at radio wavelengths, to form the essential ingredients for future star formation.
Related Media
 |
News Release NASA Releases Dazzling Images from New Space Telescope ssc2003-06 |
 |
Image Dark Globule in IC 1396 ssc2003-06a |
|
Image Dark Globule in IC 1396 ssc2003-06b |
|
Image Spiral Galaxy Messier 81 ssc2003-06c |
|
Image Spiral Galaxy Messier 81 ssc2003-06d |
 |
Image Messier 81 ssc2003-06e |
|
Image Embedded Outflow in HH 46/47 ssc2003-06f |
|
Image Embedded Outflow in HH 46/47 ssc2003-06g |
|
Image Galaxy IRAS F00183-7111 ssc2003-06h |
|
Image Fomalhaut Circumstellar Disk ssc2003-06i |
|
Image Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 ssc2003-06j |
