Polarissima Borealis (NGC 3172)

A spiral galaxy in the constellation Ursa Minor, which is the closest NGC object to the North Celestial Pole. Because of its proximity – less than 1 degree from that most northerly declination – it received the name Polarissima Borealis. Seeing NGC 3172 is a challenge for an observer with a 12-inch telescope.

visual magnitude	13.6
angular size	1.0' × 0.7'
position	R.A. 11h 50m, Dec. +89° 7'

Related category

• GALAXIES

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