The sketch at left is based on a 129X view in the 10-inch. M82 is featured. This irregular galaxy appears as an elongated 11’x4’ glow in two distinct sections. The northeast section is somewhat thicker and shorter. A v-shaped cleft is visible separating this from the longer, thinner southwest portion. Excellent seeing conditions reveal substantial mottleing in moderate apertures. You'll find M82 just 36 arc minutes due north of another spring showpiece, M81. And while you're in the area, don't miss NGC 3077, which resides about a degree to the southeast.