Messier 81 Wall Art including Frame Sizes:MEDIUM (20x30) licensed under CC by 3

licensed under CC by 3

causing new stars to form within it

The galaxy

and subsequently identified in Viking Orbiter images taken more than 20 years before

Messier 81 Wall Art including Frame Sizes:MEDIUM (20x30) licensed under CC by 3The magnificent spiral arms of the nearby galaxy Messier 81 are highlighted in this NASA Spitzer Space Telescope image. 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 from Earth. Because of its proximity, M81 provides astronomers with an enticing opportunity to study the anatomy of a