M102 = NGC5866 ( 15h 06.5m +55°46´, 10.0 mag. )
There is quite a bit of confusion regarding 102nd entry in Messier Catalog.
M102 is the last of the "missing" Messier objects. There is some uncertainty as to whether the galaxy pictured here is M102. Due to an 18th century error, M101 may have been misclassified as M102.
M102 The Pinwheel Galaxy
Description: spiral galaxy
Constellation: Ursa Major
Small Image
Large Image ...
M102
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 ...
M102 (NGC 5866) is an edge-on galaxy with dust lane and brightly glowing centre.
The galaxy is four degrees southwest of iota Draconis.
Another object, M102, may be a 10th magnitude galaxy in Draco. This is a disputed object; a considerable body of scholarship indicates that this is a bookkeeping error and a double entry for M101, which lies 9 degrees almost due west.
Some lenticular galaxies (abbreviated SO galaxies) include M84 (in Virgo), M85 (in Virgo), M86 (in Virgo), NGC 5866 (the Spindle Galaxy), and perhaps M102. Enchanted Learning®
Over 15,000 Pages.
Overview of Site
What's New
Enchanted Learning Home ...
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 ...
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
Messier Object 110 - M110 ...
 See also: Galaxy, M101, Messier Objects, Sky, Galaxies
|
