Bode’s Galaxy
Galaxy

Bode’s Galaxy

M 81 · Ursa Major
These photons are ~11.7 million years old
LP
Date
2025-09-16
Location
36.3858° N, 28.0411° E
Integration
0m (1 × 10s)
Software
ZWO Seestar app
Notes
—
Plate solve
Centre RA
9h 54m 04.5s
Centre Dec
+69° 30′ 54″
Field
42.7′ × 76.2′
Pixel scale
1.19″/px
Orientation
-163.6° E of N
TelescopeZWO Seestar S50
CameraZWO Seestar S50 Camera
RigFamily Holiday Rig
Captured from · Ελλάς
36.3858° N, 28.0411° E · open map ↗

Where to find it

Interactive sky chart centred on 9 54 04.5 +69 30 54, with constellation stick figures overlaid. Locate shows the whole constellation with the target ringed; Field zooms to the close-up. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, click any star to identify it. Imagery: DSS colour survey via CDS Aladin Lite. Constellation figures © Dominic Ford (GPLv3).

A grand-design spiral with a well-defined core and two sweeping arms — often considered one of the most photogenic galaxies in the sky. Forms a celebrated pair with M82; both fit in a wide-field frame and the interaction between them is evident in the interlocking tidal debris.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of object is M 81?
M 81 is a galaxy.
Which constellation is M 81 in?
M 81 lies in the constellation Ursa Major.
How far away is M 81?
The light in this image left M 81 roughly ~11.7 million years ago, so that is how far back in time you are seeing it.
What are the coordinates of M 81?
M 81 sits at right ascension 09h 54m 05s and declination +69° 30′ 54″ (J2000).
When is the best time to photograph M 81?
M 81 is circumpolar from around 54°N — it never sets, and rides highest (about 74° altitude) on evenings around February.
What equipment was used to photograph M 81?
This image of M 81 was captured with ZWO Seestar S50 and ZWO Seestar S50 Camera.
How much exposure time went into this image?
This image of M 81 represents 0m (1 × 10s) of total integration time.