Bode's Galaxy, also known as M81 and NGC 3031, is a spiral galaxy located 12 million light years from Earth in the Ursa Major constellation. It was first discovered by Johann Elert Bode in 1774 and is named in his honour.
M81 is believed to contain approximately 250 billion stars, making it slightly smaller than our own Milky Way galaxy. M81 is one of the most striking examples of a grand design spiral galaxy, with near perfect arms spiraling into the very center.
M81 and its sister galaxy M82 are the most prominent members of the M81 Group of galaxies. They are easily visible in the same field of view of most telescopes.
It has an apparent magnitude of 6.93, making it one of the brightest known galaxies. Under exceptional viewing conditions and truly dark skies in a remote location far from light pollution, it can be seen with the naked eye.
In 1993 a supernova of apparent magnitude 10.5 was observed in M81.
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