SkyEye

Ursa Major

Messier Objects

M40 is actually the binary star Winnecke 4 and thus, is an unusual object to be accorded a Messier designation. Bode's Galaxy is M81, a spiral galaxy that is easy to see in a small telescope. Nearby is M82, the irregular Cigar Galaxy. M97 is a planetary nebula sometimes known as the Owl Nebula. The face-on spiral galaxy M101 is a good telescopic target if the sky is very dark. Other galaxies in this constellation include the spiral M108 and and the barred spiral M109.

Other Deep Sky Objects

At just over 8 light years distant, Lalande 21185 is one of the closest stars to the Sun, but it is just a little too faint to be seen with the naked eye.

Stars With (Un)Common Names

alpha

Dubhe is a member of the asterism called the "Big Dipper" or "Plough." With Merak, it is one of the "Pointers to the Pole."

beta

Merak is a member of the asterism called the "Big Dipper" or "Plough." With Dubhe, it is one of the "Pointers to the Pole."

gamma

Phecda is also known as Phad. It is a member of the asterism called the "Big Dipper" or "Plough."

delta

Megrez is a member of the asterism called the "Big Dipper" or "Plough."

epsilon

Alioth is a member of the asterism called the "Big Dipper" or "Plough."

zeta

Mizar is a member of the asterism called the "Big Dipper" or "Plough." Its companion in the sky is Alcor. Mizar was the first telescopic binary star discovered (by G.B. Riccioli in 1650).

eta

Alkaid is also known as Benetnasch. It is a member of the asterism called the "Big Dipper" or "Plough."

iota

Talitha is also known as Dnoces which is second spelled backwards. This alternate name honors American astronaut Edward Higgins White II (the second) who was killed in the Apollo 1 launchpad fire on 27 January 1967. See also Navi and Regor.

lambda

Tania Borealis

mu

Tania Australis

nu

Alula Borealis

xi

Alula Australis

omicron

Muscida

80

Alcor is the companion of Mizar.

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[SkyEye] [88 Constellations] [For More Information...]

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Last modified on 1 January 2007