Deep V-band Image of Nearby Spiral Galaxy M81

A deep V-band image of the nearby spiral galaxy M81, taken using the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) built from a series of shorter images being used to identify variable stars, failed supernovae and supernovae progenitor stars by monitoring the time variability of stars in the galaxy.

Located at the University of Arizona, the LBT is a large optical/infrared telescope that utilizes two, 8.4 meter diameter mirrors. It ranks amont the world's most advanced telescopes. Using adaptive optics, LBT has imaged planets outside our solar system and peers back toward the beginning of time. [Research supported by National Science Foundation grant AST 09-08816.]

(Date of Image: September 2007)

Credit: C.S. Kochanek, K.Z. Stanke, J.L. Prieto, Department of Astronomy, The Ohio State University; Large Binocular