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Spiral galaxy M82

Spiral galaxy M82 or Cigar is in the constellation Ursa Major (UMa).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):09^h55.9^m, Dec (δ):+69° 41'

Visual magnitude: 8,4^m
Distance from the galaxy M82 to the Sun is 11,4*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 11'×4'
Class: Ir-II or P
External dimensions the galaxy M82 are about 37000 light years.
Estimated weight the galaxy: 50x10⁹ suns

Discoverer: Johann Elert Bode, 31.12.1774 year.

The designation M82 in other catalogs: NGC 3034

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M82, 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 M82 is March - 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 81

Мessier 83

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