M 94

Photo by Pittendreigh

HOW TO FIND IT:

All your guide stars will be in Canes Venatici.

Find Alpha and Beta first.

Then find 20, which will form a triangle of stars with Alpha and Beta. Actually, 20 will be a set of four stars, which are designated as 18, 19, 20 and 23. They form a distinctive pattern which will help you correctly identify 20.

Now draw an imaginary line from 20 to Beta.

M94 is along that line, and is closer toward Beta.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Look for a slightly oval shaped nebula with a bright center. Some observers see a comet like appearance. You may be able to see a bright nucleus, surrounded by a halo or ring.