Messier 40

Messier 40 (M40) is a double star in the constellation Ursa Major, with an apparent magnitude of 8.4. It is about 455 light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 40 in the constellation Ursa Major
Messier 40 (circled) in Ursa Major. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 40 (M40)
Typedouble star
ConstellationUrsa Major
Apparent magnitude8.4
Distanceabout 455 light-years
Right ascension12 h 22.2 min
Declination+58.08°
Best monthMay (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find M40

M40 is in Ursa Major. From 40° N it is highest in the north in May evenings, about 72° up. From 35° S it stays below the horizon. You need a telescope and a dark sky to see it.

Ursa Major constellation →

Other Messier objects in Ursa Major

Bode's Galaxy (M81)Cigar Galaxy (M82)Owl Nebula (M97)Pinwheel Galaxy (M101)Messier 108 (M108)Messier 109 (M109)

The Messier catalog →

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