M81 (Bode's Galaxy) Complete Guide — Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major

Overview

Bode's Galaxy (M81) is a Spiral Galaxy located in Ursa Major, cataloged as NGC 3031. With an apparent magnitude of 6.9, it lies About 12 million light-years from Earth. This Intermediate-level object is best observed in the Spring sky.

Spiral galaxies feature a central bulge surrounded by sweeping spiral arms. These arms are rich in young stars and interstellar gas, with active star formation taking place.

Basic Data

Item	Data
Messier Number	M81
Catalog Number	NGC 3031
Object Type	Spiral Galaxy
Constellation	Ursa Major
Apparent Magnitude	6.9
Distance	About 12 million light-years
Best Season	Spring
Difficulty	Intermediate
Required Equipment	Binoculars, Small telescope

Physical Characteristics

This galaxy is located About 12 million light-years from Earth with an apparent magnitude of 6.9.

While there are estimated to be hundreds of billions of galaxies in the universe, those in the Messier catalog are relatively bright and representative objects observable with amateur telescopes.

Observation Guide

How to Find

Bode's Galaxy (M81) is located in the Ursa Major region. It transits around 20:00–22:00 during Spring, making it well-positioned for observation. use the main stars of Ursa Major as guide stars and confirm the exact position with a star chart or app.

Observation Tips

Galaxy observation benefits from dark skies and large-aperture telescopes. Use low magnification for a wide field of view, and allow your eyes to fully dark-adapt before observing.

Recommended Equipment

A telescope with an aperture of 60mm or more is sufficient for observation.

Astrophotography Tips

Bode's Galaxy (M81) is a popular target for astrophotography. Tracking with an equatorial mount is essential. Long exposures (30 seconds to several minutes) at high ISO reveal details invisible to the naked eye. Stacking multiple images reduces noise and produces beautiful, detailed results.

Summary

M81 is a Spiral Galaxy observable in Ursa Major, rated Intermediate level. Enjoyable with a small telescope, it is one of the most popular Messier objects for observation. Try observing it in the Spring night sky!