Nebulae - M81 - M82
R.A.: 09h 55m 33s
09h 55m 52s
Dec.: +69° 3' 55"
+69° 40' 47"
Mag.: 7.9 / 9.3
Messier 81 (also known as NGC 3031 or Bode's Galaxy) is a spiral galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. M81 is one of the most striking examples of a grand design spiral galaxy, with near perfect arms spiraling into the very center. Messier 82 (also known as NGC 3034 or the Cigar Galaxy) is the prototype nearby starburst galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.