M108

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M108 is classified as a barred spiral galaxy and is in Ursa Major.  We see M108 almost edge on.   The galaxy has very prominent and mottled dust lanes with only a few HII regions; the reddish knots within the galaxy structure.  M108 is a relatively isolated member of the Ursa Major Cluster which is a part of the Virgo Supercluster.  It is about 45 million light years distant.

In this image there are two more obvious galaxies and a number of others that are less obvious.  On the left edge of the frame is the spiral galaxy PGC 34128 and just right of the bright star below and to the right of M108 is PGC 3404572.  There are many more galaxies in the frame.

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Date:  2/2013

Location:  4Domes Observatory

Telescope:  C14@ f/10

Mount:  AP-1200

Camera:  SBIG STL-6303E

Acquisition and Guiding:  CCD Autopilot controlling Maxim DL