2011-08-18

M 109


Photo by Pittendreigh

Owen Gingerich added NGC 3992 to Messier's list as M109 in 1953. It is a spiral galaxy. Photographs show very dim arms.

HOW TO FIND IT:

Find Gamma Ursae Majoris. M109 is less than a degree southeast. M109 has a good guide star, so it qualifies as a level 3, but it is a hard level 3.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Look for a smudge. M109 appears as a nebula. Its shape may be difficult to discern, appearing at times circular and at times somewhat elongated. Even with an 8 inch reflector, spiral arms cannot be detected.

What you might be able to detect is some granulation within the nebula.

This is one that you will not be able to find in binoculars. Use a good size telescope.



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