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Hubble observation of NGC 3992
Hubble · Messier 109 · NASA, ESA, and J. Walsh (Texas A&M University); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

Messier 109

Galaxy in Ursa Major · 83.5 million light-years

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TypeGalaxy
ConstellationUrsa Major
Right ascension11h 57m 36s
Declination+53° 22′
Object distance83.5 million light-years
Apparent magnitude9.9
Apparent size8.1′ (arc-minutes)
Approx. true diameter196,742 light-years across
Also known asM109 · NGC 3992
Messier 109 is a galaxy (also catalogued as NGC 3992) in the constellation Ursa Major — an island of billions of stars far beyond our own Milky Way. It was recorded by Charles Messier in his famous catalogue of 110 deep-sky objects. It spans roughly 8.1 arc-minutes on the sky. At about magnitude 9.9, it shows up well in a small backyard telescope.

Although it appears about 8.1′ wide on the sky, its real span is roughly 196,742 light-years — the difference is a measure of how far away it lies.

Observing Messier 109

Messier 109 lies in the constellation Ursa Major and is best placed in the evening sky around March. Its maximum altitude above the horizon depends on your latitude. It is best placed for observers in the northern hemisphere, and sits low for those far south. A small backyard telescope will show it; binoculars may hint at it under dark skies. Note that the listed magnitude is spread across the whole object — diffuse galaxies and nebulae are often harder to see than the number alone suggests, so dark, moonless skies help a great deal.

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Sources

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