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Spiral galaxy M81

Spiral galaxy M81 or Bode's is in the constellation Ursa Major (UMa).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):09^h55.5^m, Dec (δ):+69° 04'

Visual magnitude: 6,8^m
Distance from the galaxy M81 to the Sun is 11,8*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 27'×14'
Class: Sb
External dimensions the galaxy M81 are about 92000 light years.
Estimated weight the galaxy: 50x10⁹ suns
The mass of the central object (black hole): 60x10⁶ suns

Discoverer: Johann Elert Bode, 31.12.1774 year.

The designation M81 in other catalogs: NGC 3031

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M81, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/6-0.8D. Higher magnifications of course add details, but lead to a strong drop in the brightness of the image, making it difficult to observe.

The best month for observing M81 is April. At this time, the object is at midnight near its highest point in the sky, that is, it is less affected by light from the lanterns and atmospheric distortions.

Мessier 80

Мessier 82

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