Bode's Galaxy (M81)
Observation data
Type	Sb
Right ascension (RA, α) (J2000,00)	9 h 55.6 m
Declination (Dec, δ) (J2000,00)	+69° 4'
Distance from Earth	12 million LY
Apparent magnitude (V)	+6.93m
Apparent dimension(s) (V)
Physical characteristics
Mass (Sun=1)
Diameter	36,000 LY
Color (B-V)
Absolute magnitude
Peculiarities
Other denominations	NGC 3031

Bode's Galaxy, also known as M81 and NGC 3031, is a spiral galaxy located 12 million light years from Earth in the Ursa Major constellation. It was first discovered by Johann Elert Bode in 1774 and is named in his honour.

M81 is believed to contain approximately 250 billion stars, making it slightly smaller than our own Milky Way galaxy. M81 is one of the most striking examples of a grand design spiral galaxy, with near perfect arms spiraling into the very center.

M81 and its sister galaxy M82 are the most prominent members of the M81 Group of galaxies.

It has an apparent magnitude of 6.93, making it one of the brightest known galaxies. Under exceptional viewing conditions and truly dark skies in a remote location far from light pollution, it can be seen with the naked eye.

In 1993 a supernova of apparent magnitude 10.5 was observed in M81.

Related topics

• M81 Group

External links

• M81, SEDS Messier pages (http://www.seds.org/messier/m/m081.html)
• Spitzer space telescope images (http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04937)

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