Hold the cosmos in your hands.
Before the days of high-speed internet, the best way to see the latest robotic exploration images from the Viking and Voyager missions was to write to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and ask for a press packet. We've recreated that thrilling, tactile experience with our exclusive line of high-quality physical photo prints.
This 8.5" x 11" print features M81 & M82 - Bode's Galaxy and The Cigar Galaxy. Located roughly 12 million light-years away, this image captures two massive galaxies locked in a slow-motion gravitational battle. On the right is M81 (Bode's Galaxy), a perfectly structured spiral, while on the left sits M82 (The Cigar Galaxy), a chaotic "starburst" galaxy bursting with new star formation.
But look closely at the faint, glowing wisps in the dark space surrounding them! This is called Integrated Flux Nebula (IFN). These incredibly faint clouds of dust and gas aren't near the galaxies at all—they are actually part of our own Milky Way, floating high above the galactic plane like a cosmic veil. Unlike normal nebulae illuminated by a single nearby star, this dust is illuminated by the combined, collective glow of all the stars in our entire galaxy. Produced on premium one-sided gloss paper, this piece delivers stunning clarity and vibrant colors on the front.
On the reverse side, you'll find an engaging scientific description of this galactic duo, along with the exact Bracken Observatory equipment and exposure specs used to capture the shot—including 12 hours and 3 minutes of total exposure time using our RASA 11" telescope—just like the classic JPL media packets of the 1980s.
Whether you're an educator looking for engaging classroom materials, a parent sharing the wonders of the universe with your kids, or an astronomy enthusiast wanting a beautiful physical print to frame, this is the perfect way to experience the cosmos away from a screen.
Product Details:
-
Dimensions: 8.5" x 11" (Standard Letter Size)
-
Material: Premium one-sided gloss photo paper
-
Features: High-resolution image on the front; science facts, shot specs, and an interactive QR code to the online showroom on the back
🔭 From the Desk of Paul Bracken:
"M81 and M82 are spectacular on their own, but the real star of this image is the Integrated Flux Nebula. Capturing that incredibly faint, ghostly dust floating in the foreground of our own Milky Way requires exceptionally dark skies and a massive amount of exposure time. We poured over 12 hours of light into the RASA 11 to reveal it! Holding this print is a great way to appreciate the sheer depth of space, with our own galaxy's dust hanging like a veil over those distant islands of stars."
