M81 (NGC 3031) UMa galaxy
Difficulty level 2

Date of observation: 1996/10/15 04:33
Observing site: Kuju
Transparency/seeing/sky darkness: 3/2/4
Instruments: 32cm Dobsonian with XL14 at 110x
Width of field: 0.6�‹
It has a beautiful stately appearance. Spiral arms are not possible visually, but the smooth surface is uniquely beautiful. It is bright and large. Careful observation suggests the root of the clockwise arm. The core is compact and very bright with a surrounding halo extensive and smoothly diffuse. There is a bright star in the northwest. At low power it is visible with M82 in the same field of view, but at higher magnification you can enjoy its impressive appearance.