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| M-109, (Messier 109) or NGC 3992 |
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A classic spiral galaxy with a nicely defined central
bar. It can be spotted with 10x50 binoculars, but only the central core and
bar area show up. With 8" and larger scopes more and more spiral arm detail
starts showing up. It's easy to find, located just to the left of the inner
bottom star (Named Phad, or sometimes Phecda) of the big dipper's cup. M109 is about 50-55 million light years away. It is part of a loose gravitational grouping of about 80 galaxies the largest of which include this one as well as M108, (just this side of the outsider bottom dipper star) and M106. |
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10"
F6.3 Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope, Canon 40D at prime focus |