When to photograph M 81 (Bode's Galaxy)
M 81, the Bode's Galaxy, is a galaxy in Ursa Major, 22′ x 11′ across at magnitude 6.9. Also listed as NGC 3031.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are December to February, with up to 11.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 66° at its highest. It never sets from this latitude, so some imaging is possible all year.
From 35° S it never rises.
Framing
Its long axis is 22′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 870 to 1990 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1340 to 3060 mm.
Filters and the moon
Galaxies are broadband targets. Filters cannot separate their light from light pollution, so dark skies and moon-free nights matter most. The dark sky calendar shows which nights this month are moon-free where you are.
Plan it for tonight
Dates and times depend on your exact location. The imaging planner shows M 81's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 82 Cigar Galaxy 0.6° away
- IC 2574 Coddington's Nebula 3.0° away
- NGC 4236 12.3° away
- NGC 2403 13.6° away
- M 108 15.9° away
- M 97 Owl Nebula 16.7° away
Gear that suits M 81
M 81 is 22′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 34% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 32% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 82% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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