The Surfboard Galaxy, also cataloged as Messier 108 and NGC 3556, is an edge-on spiral galaxy that presents an elongated, streak-like profile perfectly suited to its nickname. With an angular size of 15′ × 3.9′, it offers a generous but slender target that frames beautifully in medium to long focal lengths. Its mottled disk, dust lanes, and knotty structure reward long integration times and careful processing to bring out the subtle detail along its length. Positioned against a dark backdrop in Ursa Major, it makes an excellent subject for both narrowband-enhanced and broadband RGB imaging.
Names and Catalog numbers
- Surfboard Galaxy
- M 108 (Messier 108)
- NGC 3556
- UGC 6225
- PGC 34030
Position and the cosmic neighborhood
The Surfboard Galaxy lies in the northern constellation Ursa Major at right ascension 11h 11m 31s and declination +55° 40′ 27″, placing it high in the sky for observers at mid-northern latitudes. Its location near the bowl of the Big Dipper makes it easy to locate as a star-hopping target, and it sits in the same rich region of sky as several other notable galaxies. Spanning roughly 115,000 light-years across, this edge-on spiral is a rewarding stop when touring the deep-sky treasures of Ursa Major. Its high declination means it stays well above the horizon for much of the night during the spring imaging season.
Nice to Know
- Its edge-on, elongated appearance inspired the popular nickname “Surfboard Galaxy,” making it instantly recognizable in astrophotographs.
- Cataloged under several designations including Messier 108, NGC 3556, UGC 6225, and PGC 34030.
- It lies about 27.1 million light-years from Earth and stretches roughly 115,000 light-years across.
- The galaxy recedes from us at a radial velocity of 699 km/s, corresponding to a redshift of z = 0.00233434.
Brightness, distance and size
It lies about 27.1 million light-years from Earth and spans roughly 115,000 light-years across. On the sky it appears about 15′ × 3.9′ in size.
