Owl Nebula
planetary nebula · Ursa Major · 11.2ᵐ
The Owl Nebula — two dark hollows in its disc resemble an owl’s eyes. One of the faintest planetary nebulae in the catalogue.
Notable facts
About 1/10 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Owl Nebula in?
Owl Nebula lies in Ursa Major.
Is Owl Nebula visible to the naked eye?
11.2ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe Owl Nebula?
Best observed in March.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 11h 15m · +55° 01′
- Type
- planetary nebula
- Constellation
- Ursa Major
- How to observe
- 11.2ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 3′
- Designation
- M97 · NGC 3587 · Owl Nebula
Observing tip
A telescope is required; 100× or more plus an OIII filter noticeably boosts the contrast.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 85° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 90° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 80° · never sets | — |
| +30° | 65° | 19° |
| 0° | 35° | 35° |
| −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 | 03:29 |
| February | 01:22 |
| March | 23:37 |
| April | 21:43 |
| May | 19:49 |
| June | 17:43 |
| July | 15:39 |
| August | 13:38 |
| September | 11:45 |
| October | 09:56 |
| November | 07:55 |
| December | 05:47 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.