The constellation of Ursa Major is the site of a spiral galaxy known as M101. This a nearly face-on spiral with a bright center and symmetric shape. It is located about 27 million light-years from Earth.
M101 = NGC5457 ( 14h 03.2m +54°21´, 7.7 mag. )
This large "grand design-type" face-on spiral galaxy in Ursa Major was discovered by Mechain in 1781. Messier observed it on March 27, 1781.
M101 is a fabulous, grand design spiral galaxy that appears face on to our perspective.
M101 The Pinwheel Galaxy
Description: spiral galaxy
Constellation: Ursa Major
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M101 (NGC 5457) is a vast galaxy, one of the largest known, with open spirals. Although seen face on, it's fairly dim; it takes a large scope and an exceptionally good night to see this nebula at its best.
The image of M101 seen above result in a combination of an optical image (in blue, from the Palomar Sky Survey Plate) and an X-ray image (in red, from ROSAT).
On photographs M101 can be seen to be asymmetrical on one side. It is thought that in the recent past (speaking in galactic terms) M101 underwent a near collision with another galaxy and the associated gravitational tidal forces caused the asymmetry.
Cepheids have been measured from the ground throughout the Local Group (which Hubble could do - the astronomer, not the telescope), and can be detected in the M81 and Sculptor groups, and more recently in M101 at a distance of 7 Mpc (Cook, Aaronson, ...
A close cropping of spiral galaxy M101 shows an array of stunning details never-before-seen in this galaxy.
This is the spiral galaxy M101. Also known as NGC 5457, it shines at magnitude 7.7; far dimmer than can be seen with the naked eye, but an easy target for the amateur astronomer. This is one of the most popular objects for viewing at star parties.
It is believed that the object Messier originally called M102 is really just a mistaken re-identification of M101.
Other Messier Objects
Previous: M101
Next: M103 ...
The Local Group also includes Fornax, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, M32, M33, M101, and 9 dwarf spheroidal galaxies.
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There is some controversy as to the identity of this object. Some think that Messier made a mistake and re-identified M101 as M102. Others believe that this object is actually the lenticular galaxy NGC5866 in the constellation Draco.
M103
NGC581 ...
The galaxies which are gravitationally bound to the , including Fornax, the , M31 (Andromeda Galaxy), M32, M33, M101, Small Magellanic Cloud, and 9 dwarf spheroidal galaxies.
The Big Dipper that we know and love is the bottom left part of Ursa Major. The splotches labeled M81, M82, and M101 are galaxies; M97 is a nebula. You'd need a telescope to see these objects. Photo and diagram courtesy of O.
It is a group of about 30 that is about 5 million across. The largest of the galaxies are , Triangulum, and our . The Local Group also includes Fornax, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, M32, M33, M101, and 9 dwarf spheroidal galaxies.
The two remnants he identified reside in the galaxy M101 in the Ursa Major Constellation. They have been given the easily memorable names NGC5471B and MF83.
Messier Object 101 - M101
Messier Object 102 - M102
Messier Object 103 - M103
Messier Object 104 - M104
Messier Object 105 - M105
Messier Object 106 - M106
Messier Object 107 - M107
Messier Object 108 - M108
Messier Object 109 - M109 ...
 See also: Galaxy, Galaxies, Telescope, Sky, Star
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