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 1/1 the apparent diameter of the 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.