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Cigar Galaxy

Ursa Major A, Bode’s Nebulae, M82, NGC 3034

Proper NamesCigar Galaxy, Ursa Major A; this galaxy and nearby Bode's Galaxy (M81) are jointly known as Bode’s Nebulae
Messier NumberM82
NGC/IC NumberNGC 3034
ConstellationUrsa Major
Right Ascension9h 55m 52s
Declination+69° 40' 47"
Distancec.11,900,000 light years
c.3,700,000 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +8.0
Absolute: -19.8
DiameterApparent: 11'
Actual: 38,000 light years
Hubble TypeI0 Irregular
Optimum VisibilityMarch (Usually visible from northern latitudes)
NotesThough classified as Irregular, there are some indications that this galaxy may possess spiral arms, and perhaps also a somewhat barred structure. It appears almost edge-on as seen from Earth, giving it the long narrow shape that earned it the common name of the 'Cigar Galaxy'.

A relatively small irregular galaxy in the northern parts of Ursa Major. It is approximately twelve million light years from our own Galaxy, and closely associated with a more massive spiral galaxy known as Bode's Galaxy or M81. There appears to be strong interaction between the two galaxies, and M82's more massive neighbour is at least partly responsible for its irregular formation.

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