Bode's Galaxy
spiral galaxy · Ursa Major · 6.8ᵐ
Bode’s Galaxy — a large spiral with beautifully regular arms. It shares a binocular field with its neighbour M82.
Notable facts
About the same apparent size as the full Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Bode's Galaxy in?
Bode's Galaxy lies in Ursa Major.
Is Bode's Galaxy visible to the naked eye?
6.8ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe Bode's Galaxy?
Best observed in February.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 9h 56m · +69° 04′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Ursa Major
- How to observe
- 6.8ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 27×14′
- Designation
- M81 · NGC 3031 · Bode's Galaxy
Observing tip
Get away from city light pollution — it washes out the faint glow of galaxies first.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 81° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 76° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 66° · never sets | — |
| +30° | 51° · never sets | — |
| 0° | 21° | 21° |
| −35° | never rises | — |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 02:10 |
| February | 00:03 |
| March | 22:17 |
| April | 20:24 |
| May | 18:30 |
| June | 16:24 |
| July | 14:20 |
| August | 12:19 |
| September | 10:26 |
| October | 08:37 |
| November | 06:36 |
| December | 04:28 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.