Bode's Galaxy (M81)

Bode's Galaxy (M81) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major, with an apparent magnitude of 6.9. It is about 11.8 million light-years away.

Finder chart for Bode's Galaxy (M81) in the constellation Ursa Major
Bode's Galaxy (M81) (circled) in Ursa Major. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 81 (M81)
Typespiral galaxy
ConstellationUrsa Major
Apparent magnitude6.9
Distanceabout 11.8 million light-years
Right ascension9 h 55.6 min
Declination+69.07°
Best monthApril (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 Bode's Galaxy

Bode's Galaxy is in Ursa Major. From 40° N it is highest in the north in April evenings, about 61° up. From 35° S it stays below the horizon. Binoculars show it under a dark sky; a small telescope shows more detail.

Ursa Major constellation →

Other Messier objects in Ursa Major

Messier 40 (M40)Cigar Galaxy (M82)Owl Nebula (M97)Pinwheel Galaxy (M101)Messier 108 (M108)Messier 109 (M109)

The Messier catalog →

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