M109 - Barred Spiral Galaxy
M109 is the brightest barred spiral galaxy in the Ursa Major cluster, showing a prominent bar structure and faint spiral arms.
Distance: 83.5 million light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 9.80
Apparent Size: 7' × 4'
Constellation: Ursa Major
Morphology: SB(rs)bc (barred spiral)
Key Features:
- Classic barred spiral structure
- Faint outer spiral arms
- Member of Ursa Major cluster
- Supernova observed in 1956
- Good example of bar structure
Best Imaging Season: January - May
Optimal Integration: 8+ hours
