M109 - Barred Spiral Galaxy

M109 is a typical barred spiral galaxy; in fact, about one-third of all known spirals are of this nature, characterized by a prominent central bar of stars off of which flow more delicate spiral arms. Glowing at 10th magnitude, it can be seen in 7X35 binoculars 1° southeast of the 2.4 magnitude star Phecda (Gamma (γ) Ursae Majoris) in the bottom of the Big Dipper's bowl. Whenever I sweep toward M109 and its oval shape enter the field, I get a tingle as if I have encountered a comet, as Mechain must have when he first spotted the object. But, because this glow is so close to 2nd- magnitude Phecda, I wonder for a fleeting moment whether I am just seeing a reflection of that star. A good tap on the telescope assures me that I am not. At low power the galaxy displays a well-defined core and a halo muddled with irregularities. Medium power proves it to be a more satisfying barred spiral than either M91 in Coma Berenices or M95 in Leo. the central bar of M109 appears prominent, and the nebulous arcs and hints of spiral arms that emanate from it do not require a strong effort. It is noteworthy, however that neither Jones nor Clark could detect the bar in an 8-inch telescope; this might say something about the galaxy's appearance in less-than-pristine skies.

Telescope:	Meade 10" LX200 Optical Tube Assembly
Focal Length:	2500 mm
Mount:	Takahashi NJP 160
Camera	Starlight XPress MX916
Guider:	Starlight XPress S.T.A.R 2000 Autoguider
Exposures:	5 20-minute exposures
Location:	Cicero, IN
Software:	AstroArt