Owl Nebula (M 97)

Owl Nebula (M 97) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Ursa Major, magnitude 9.9, 3.4′ × 3.3′ across.

A large, round planetary nebula in Ursa Major whose two dark patches look like an owl's eyes in larger telescopes; an OIII filter helps. The edge-on galaxy M108 lies 48′ away.

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 35°S and never sets north of 35°N.

At its highest it stands 85° up from 50°N, 70° up from 35°N, 35° up from the equator, below the horizon from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Planetary nebula

Constellation

Ursa Major

Designations

M 97, NGC 3587

Magnitude

9.9

Apparent size

3.4′ × 3.3′

Position

RA 11h 14.8m, Dec +55° 1′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Owl Nebula (M 97) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.