1. M101
We start with M101, a mag. +7.9 face-on spiral galaxy also known as the Pinwheel. It's easy to find, marking the northeast point of an equilateral triangle with Mizar (Zeta () Ursae Majoris) and Alkaid (Eta (n) Ursae Majoris). M101 appears large, 20 x 15 arcminutes through a 150mm scope, which gives it a low surface brightness, but it remains relatively easy to see. A small scope shows a mottled object with uneven brightness, definitely oval with a small, central nucleus. Larger instruments give more definition to the spiral arms, revealing distinct star knots. □ SEEN IT
2. M51
This story is from the May 2023 edition of BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
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This story is from the May 2023 edition of BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
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