M109
spiral galaxy · Ursa Major · 9.8ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — spiral galaxy in Ursa Major.
Notable facts
About 1/4 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M109 in?
M109 lies in Ursa Major.
Is M109 visible to the naked eye?
9.8ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe M109?
Best observed in March.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 11h 58m · +53° 23′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Ursa Major
- How to observe
- 9.8ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 8×5′
- Designation
- M109 · NGC 3992
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° | 83° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 88° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 82° · never sets | — |
| +30° | 67° | 22° |
| 0° | 37° | 37° |
| −35° | 2° | 12° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 04:12 |
| February | 02:05 |
| March | 00:19 |
| April | 22:26 |
| May | 20:32 |
| June | 18:26 |
| July | 16:22 |
| August | 14:21 |
| September | 12:28 |
| October | 10:39 |
| November | 08:38 |
| December | 06:30 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.