M108 is a spiral galaxy located in the
constellation of Ursa Major. It is oriented nearly edge-on to
our line of sight, which gives it an elongated visual
appearance. This galaxy is unusual in that is has no pronounced
central core and the disk is mottled with dark dust lanes. Its
distance from Earth is believed to be about 45 million
light-years. In spite of this galaxy's visual magnitude of only
10.1, it is considered an easy target for amateur astronomers.
Its details can be seen even in small instruments.
