Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Draco (Dra)  ·  Contains:  M 102  ·  NGC 5862  ·  NGC 5866  ·  NGC 5870  ·  Spindle galaxy
Messier 102 - Spindle Galaxy, Mark Spruce
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Messier 102 - Spindle Galaxy

Messier 102 - Spindle Galaxy, Mark Spruce
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Messier 102 - Spindle Galaxy

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Description

Messier 102 (NGC 5866)

Sometimes referred to as the spindle galaxy, it is an edge on spiral galaxy about 50Mly away. Originally discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1871 and catalogued by Charles Messier. it has not been identified unambiguously and was believed to be a duplicate of M101. However historical evidence points to it being NGC 5866.

Taken with a borrowed Altair Astro Carbon tube 8" Ritchey Chretien. I must say I'm impressed with the scope. It was a pleasure to use.

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Messier 102 - Spindle Galaxy, Mark Spruce

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