The night sky is full of wonders, and two fascinating celestial objects are M97, also known as the Owl Nebula, and M108, the Surfboard Galaxy. These deep-sky objects are a favorite among amateur astronomers and stargazers alike. 

What is M97, the Owl Nebula?

M97 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Ursa Major, about 2,600 light-years away from Earth. It was first discovered by French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781 and later cataloged by Charles Messier. The nebula gets its name from its resemblance to an owl’s face, with two dark patches resembling the eyes and a bright circular center resembling the beak.

Physical Characteristics of M97

The Owl Nebula has a diameter of approximately 0.4 light-years and is expanding at a rate of about 14 kilometers per second. Its central star, which is responsible for ionizing the nebula, is a white dwarf with a surface temperature of about 120,000 K.

Observing M97

M97 is best observed in the spring and summer months in the northern hemisphere. It can be found in the constellation of Ursa Major, near the star Merak. With a telescope, you can see the bright circular center and the surrounding shell of gas and dust. The nebula has a magnitude of 9.9, making it visible in moderately sized telescopes.

What is M108, the Surfboard Galaxy?

M108 is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation of Ursa Major, about 45 million light-years away from Earth. It was discovered by French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781, and later cataloged by Charles Messier. The galaxy gets its name from its elongated shape, which resembles a surfboard.

Physical Characteristics of M108

M108 has a diameter of approximately 120,000 light-years, making it about the same size as our Milky Way galaxy. It has a bright central bulge and several spiral arms, containing young stars and star-forming regions. The galaxy is also home to several supernova remnants, indicating a history of intense star formation.

Observing M108

M108 is best observed in the spring and summer months in the northern hemisphere. It can be found in the constellation of Ursa Major, near the star Merak. With a telescope, you can see the galaxy’s elongated shape and its bright central bulge. The galaxy has a magnitude of 10.7, making it visible in moderately sized telescopes.