NGC 2841 - Flocculent Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major
One of the more unusual flocculent spiral galaxies in the night sky. Unlike grand-design spirals with clearly defined arms, NGC 2841 displays fragmented, patchy spiral arms with few well-defined HII regions, giving it a soft, cottony appearance.
**Physical Characteristics:**
- **Type:** Flocculent Spiral Galaxy (SA(s)ab)
- **Constellation:** Ursa Major (the Great Bear)
- **Distance:** ~40 million light-years
- **Size:** 8.1' × 3.5' arcminutes
- **Magnitude:** 9.3 (apparent)
- **Morphology:** Fragmented spiral arms, bright nucleus, prominent dust lanes
- **Discovery:** William Herschel (1788)
**Coordinates (J2000):**
- **RA:** 09h 22m 02.7s
- **Dec:** +50° 58' 35"
**Imaging Notes:**
Excellent target for spring imaging. The soft, flocculent structure creates a cottony, ethereal appearance in astrophotos. Prominent outer arms and dust lanes respond well to OIII and Ha filters. Capturing fine detail requires good seeing and dark skies.
**Best Season:** January through May
