M108 = NGC3556 ( 11h 11.5m +55°40´, 10.0 mag. )
This small spiral galaxy in Ursa Major was discovered by Mechain in February 1871 or 1872. It is about 46 million ly distant and it is "choking" with star forming regions and dark dust clouds.
M108 is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation of Ursa Major. It is oriented nearly edge-on to our line of sight, which gives it an elongated visual appearance.
Other galaxies in Ursa Major that appear in the Messier catalogue are M108 and M109, both spiral galaxies.
M40 Winecke 4 (double star)
M81 Bode's Galaxy or Bode's Nebula (spiral galaxy)
M82 The Cigar Galaxy (irregular galaxy)
M97 The Owl Nebula (planetary nebula)
M101 The Pinwheel Galaxy (spiral galaxy)
M108 (spiral galaxy)
M109 (spiral galaxy) ...
seven other objects, M104 was added in 1921 by Camilille Flammarion who found it on Messier's copy of his 1781 catalogue; M105 through M107 were observed by Messier's chief comet hunting rival, Pierre Mechain (1744-1804) and were added in 1947; M108 ...
Messier Object 105 - M105
Messier Object 106 - M106
Messier Object 107 - M107
Messier Object 108 - M108
Messier Object 109 - M109
Messier Object 110 - M110
The Messier Marathon
The Week Long Messier Marathon ...
 See also: Sky, Star, Galaxy, M97, Nebula
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