Pinwheel Galaxy (M 101)
Pinwheel Galaxy (M 101) is a galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major, magnitude 7.9, 24′ × 23′ across.
A large face-on spiral with low surface brightness: from dark sites binoculars show a faint round glow, and telescopes reveal knotty arms dotted with bright star-forming regions.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around May, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in April). It can be seen from everywhere north of 36°S and never sets north of 36°N.
At its highest it stands 86° up from 50°N, 71° up from 35°N, 36° up from the equator, 1° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Galaxy
- Constellation
- Ursa Major
- Designations
- M 101, NGC 5457
- Magnitude
- 7.9
- Apparent size
- 24′ × 23′
- Position
- RA 14h 3.2m, Dec +54° 21′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Pinwheel Galaxy (M 101) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.