NGC3184
UGC5557
PGC30087

Galaxy

Type: SAB(rs)cd

Mag: 9.4
Size: 7.4’ x 6.9’

RA 10h 18m 17.0s
DEC +41° 25’ 27”

Located in the Bears Toes, NGC 3184 is a face on spiral galaxy very reminiscent of M101 – hence the nickname. Discovered in 1784 by William Herschel, NGC 3184 lies a degree east of 3rd magnitude Mu Uma near the southern border of Ursa Major with Leo Minor.

A galaxy abundant with heavy elements, NGC 3184 was home to several supernova over the years. 2 in 1921, 1 in 1937 and another as recent as 1999. Morphologically, NGC 3184 is deemed as an intermediate galaxy lying between the barred and non-barred spirals. It is a barred galaxy but its bar is exceptionally weak and non-descript. NGC 3184 may even possibly be evolving towards a ringed galaxy.

Visually, and as I eluded to earlier, NGC 3184 is similar to M101. A rather large and diffuse object with a somewhat brighter core, its spiral arms tend to be seen best in larger scopes. Minimally detailed observations have been made in scopes as small as 5 inches, but averted vision will still be your best bet to help eek out detail, no matter the scope size. NGC 3180 and 3181 are HII regions located within the east main arm of NGC 3184 but might only be visible in scopes larger than 20” to 25” apertures from dark skies. Lastly, north of center you will find an 11th magnitude star superimposed upon this weeks object.

As always,
“Give it a go and let us know!”

ngc3184_kelly.jpg

NGC3184-ngcicproject.jpg