M106
spiral galaxy · Canes Venatici · 8.3ᵐ
A spiral galaxy with an active nucleus — matter falling onto its black hole heats up and glows in X-rays.
Notable facts
About 1/2 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M106 in?
M106 lies in Canes Venatici.
Is M106 visible to the naked eye?
8.3ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe M106?
Best observed in March.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 12h 19m · +47° 18′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Canes Venatici
- How to observe
- 8.3ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 19×7′
- Designation
- M106 · NGC 4258
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° | 77° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 82° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 88° · never sets | — |
| +30° | 73° | 32° |
| 0° | 43° | 43° |
| −35° | 8° | 26° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 04:33 |
| February | 02:26 |
| March | 00:41 |
| April | 22:48 |
| May | 20:53 |
| June | 18:47 |
| July | 16:43 |
| August | 14:42 |
| September | 12:49 |
| October | 11:00 |
| November | 09:00 |
| December | 06:51 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.