Bode’s and the Cigar Galaxy

First, I want to thank you for your continued support. In a time when astrophotographers face tough competition in a crowded creator space, your encouragement means the world. We’re a small, passionate community, and standing out hasn’t been easy—so your support truly keeps this dream alive.

I’ve received so much thoughtful feedback from the community, and I know how much Bode’s Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy resonate with many of you. These two iconic galaxies were among the earliest deep sky targets I became obsessed with. I remember capturing my first image of this galactic duo three years ago. (See below)

Even though the result was far from perfect, I was in awe of their structure and contrast—the elegant spiral of Bode’s Galaxy next to the turbulent, starburst core of the Cigar Galaxy. Ever since, I’ve been refining my techniques and chasing better clarity and detail.

This (below) latest image was captured in April 2025 from my remote telescope in Rockwood, Texas, with a total of 24 hours of exposure time. It’s the result of dedication, patience, and a deep love for the cosmos—a personal milestone I’m proud to share with you.

Capturing M81 and M82 from a remote location came with its own set of challenges. The entire process spanned over a month, battling through spring storms, relentless humidity, and the glow of the Moon interfering with the faint details of these galaxies. While I wasn’t physically present during capture—thanks to the remote telescope in Rockwood, Texas—the effort behind the scenes was intense. Remote astrophotography still demands careful planning, equipment calibration, and constant monitoring to make sure nothing goes wrong hundreds of miles away. It took many hours of processing to bring out the structure of Bode’s graceful spiral arms and the explosive core of the Cigar Galaxy, but in the end, it was absolutely worth it. I tried a print myself and it the print details are stunning. Even my kitten (Leo) loved it.

The print went through a thorough process of testing to insure that the print will come exactly like the photo displayed on your screen, or better. There is a limited number of the prints that will be made, so grab yours before it’s gone!

Edition availability:

• 28 x 35cm / 11" x 14", Edition of 50

• 40 x 50cm / 16" x 20", Edition of 25

• 42 x 59cm / 16.5" x 23.4", (A2) Edition of 10

And because I value you, I attached a 4K wallpaper for your screen to enjoy! You can download it here or click in the image below.

The gear I used

If you’re curious about the gear I used, here are the details of my remote imaging rig at Starfront Observatories

Every print or wallpaper you purchase helps support my work and passion—thank you so much for being part of the journey. Until next time, clear skies!

Rami