Cigar Galaxy (M82)

Cigar Galaxy (M82) is a starburst galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major, with an apparent magnitude of 8.4. It is about 12.7 million light-years away.

Finder chart for the Cigar Galaxy (M82) in the constellation Ursa Major
the Cigar Galaxy (M82) (circled) in Ursa Major. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 82 (M82)
Typestarburst galaxy
ConstellationUrsa Major
Apparent magnitude8.4
Distanceabout 12.7 million light-years
Right ascension9 h 55.9 min
Declination+69.68°
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 the Cigar Galaxy

The Cigar Galaxy is in Ursa Major. From 40° N it is highest in the north in April evenings, about 60° 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

Messier 40 (M40)Bode's Galaxy (M81)Owl Nebula (M97)Pinwheel Galaxy (M101)Messier 108 (M108)Messier 109 (M109)

The Messier catalog →

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