Messier 106 (M 106)

Introduction | Map | Find/Identify | My Best Own Photos | My Own Observations | References || Appendix: My Own Photos

On this page I collect my observations of the spiral galaxy M 106 (and the small spiral galaxy NGC 4248) in the constellation Canes Venatici.

 

Introduction

According to Stoyan, the spiral galaxy M 106 in the constellation Canes Venatici can be seen in the smallest binoculars and is an easy object for small telescopes. This is probably true only for dark skies, because I had trouble to recognize this object in the telescope at all. For the eVscope, however, this galaxy was not a problem. In addition, on some of my photos, I found the small spiral galaxy NGC 4248 close to a star.

M 106   NGC 4248

Size: 8' x 3.5' / 12' (Stoyan/Karkoschka)
Distance: 32 million light years (Stoyan)
Rating: ** (Stoyan)

     Size: 2' x 0.9' (SkySafari)
Distance: 36 million light years (SkySafari)
Rating: ---

 

Map

The spiral galaxy M 106 is located in constellation Canes Venatici, but is easiest to find from the Big Dipper (see further down). (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

The spiral galaxy M 106 in constellation Canes Venatici with its neighboring galaxy NGC 4248 (selected; image created with Stellarium)

 

Find/Identify

Find: The spiral galaxy M 106 in constellation Canes Venatici is easiest to find from the Big Dipper. I imagine a line between the two stars Dubhe and Phecda in constellation Ursa Major (or asterism Big Dipper) , and if you continue this line for about the same distance, you will arrive at M 106.

Identify: If the spiral galaxy M 104 in the constellation Canes Venatici was found in the way as described above, it is also identified, because it stands relatively alone.

 

My Best Own Photos

eVscope

           

M 106 - May 5, 2020; with NGC 4248

 

M 106 - May 5, 2020, processed; with NGC 4248

 

 

      

M 106 - Mar 6, 2021

 

M 106 - Mar 6, 2021

 

M 106 - Jun 1, 2021; with NGC 4248

      

M 106 - Mar 6, 2021, photo on top processed

 

M 106 - Mar 6, 2021, photo on top processed

 

M 106 - Jun 1, 2021, photo on top processed (Polarr); with NGC 4248

 

My Own Observations

Observation May 2017

Observations March to June 2020

Observations September 2020

Observations March to June 2021

 

References

On this Site


Appendix: My Own Photos

eVscope

         

M 106 - Mar 15, 2020

 

M 106 - Mar 23, 2020

 

M 106 - Apr 21, 2020; with NGC 4248

         

M 106 - Mar 15, 2020, photo on top processed

 

M 106 - Mar 23, 2020, photo on top processed

 

M 106 - Apr 21, 2020, photo on top processed; with NGC 4248

           

M 106 - Apr 21, 2020; with NGC 4248

 

M 106 - Apr 21, 2020, photo left processed; with NGC 4248

   
         

M 106 - May 5, 2020; with NGC 4248

 

M 106 - May 5, 2020, photo left processed; with NGC 4248

 

M 106 - May 5, 2020, processed; arrow points to NGC 4248

           

M 106 - May 5, 2020; with NGC 4248

 

M 106 - May 5, 2020, photo left processed; with NGC 4248

 

 

        

M 106 - Sep 8, 2020; with NGC 4248

 

M 106 - Sep 8, 2020, photo left processed; with NGC 4248

   
      

M 106 - Mar 6, 2021

 

M 106 - Mar 6, 2021

 

M 106 - Jun 1, 2021; with NGC 4248

      

M 106 - Mar 6, 2021, photo on top processed

 

M 106 - Mar 6, 2021, photo on top processed

 

M 106 - Jun 1, 2021, photo on top processed (Polarr); with NGC 4248