Bode's Galaxy

Messier 81 (also known as NGC 3031 or Bode's Galaxy) is a spiral galaxy about 12 million light-years from Terra in the constellation Ursa Major. Due to its proximity, large size and active galactic nucleus (which harbors a 70 million M☉ supermassive black hole), Messier 81 has been studied extensively by professional astronomers. The galaxy's large size and relatively high brightness also make it a popular target for amateur astronomers.

Messier 81 is the largest galaxy in the M81 Group, a group of 34 galaxies also located in the constellation Ursa Major. At approximately 11.7 Mly (3.6 Mpc) from the Earth, it makes this group and the Local Group, containing the Milky Way, relative neighbors in the Virgo Supercluster.



In 5029 OTT, a functioning Ancient Gate connecting the Fornax Cluster with Bode's Galaxy was found. The first Union Expedition to Planet Asputanth in M81 was made by Capt. Olafson and the crew of the USS Tigershark.