M40
group of stars · Ursa Major · 8.0ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — group of stars in Ursa Major.
In brief
Which constellation is M40 in?
M40 lies in Ursa Major.
Is M40 visible to the naked eye?
8.0ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe M40?
Best observed in March.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 12h 22m · +58° 05′
- Type
- group of stars
- Constellation
- Ursa Major
- How to observe
- 8.0ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Designation
- M40 · WN 4
Observing tip
Discernible with the naked eye or binoculars — a telescope would only narrow the field.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 88° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 87° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 77° · never sets | — |
| +30° | 62° | 11° |
| 0° | 32° | 32° |
| −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 | 04:37 |
| February | 02:30 |
| March | 00:44 |
| April | 22:51 |
| May | 20:57 |
| June | 18:50 |
| July | 16:47 |
| August | 14:46 |
| September | 12:52 |
| October | 11:04 |
| November | 09:03 |
| December | 06:54 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.