M 109 (NGC 3992)

M 109 (NGC 3992) is a galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major, magnitude 9.8, 8.1′ × 5.6′ across.

A barred spiral in Ursa Major just southeast of Phecda (Gamma Ursae Majoris); its bar shows as an elongated core in medium telescopes.

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around April, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in March). It can be seen from everywhere north of 37°S and never sets north of 37°N.

At its highest it stands 87° up from 50°N, 72° up from 35°N, 37° up from the equator, 2° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Galaxy

Constellation

Ursa Major

Designations

NGC 3992, Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy

Magnitude

9.8

Apparent size

8.1′ × 5.6′

Position

RA 11h 57.6m, Dec +53° 23′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when M 109 (NGC 3992) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.