M102 (NGC 5866) is a spiral galaxy of about 12th magnitude and 2’ X 1’ size. It is one of the “missing” Messier Objects. In the original Messier list, M101 and M102 were identified as the same object. By convention, this spiral galaxy in Draco is now considered to be M102. This image is from the Real Sky CD-Rom issued by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, from the Northern Hemisphere plates of the Palomar Sky Survey.

Mythology: Draco - The Dragon 

Known for its sharp vision and vigilance, Draco, The Dragon was the traditional guardian of temples and treasures as well as the springs of life and immortality. Hera, Queen of the Gods, enlisted the assistance of Draco to serve as protector of the precious golden apples, which she had presented Zeus on the day of their wedding, While performing this task, Draco was tragically slain by The Hero, Hercules, who stole away with the golden apples, which became a symbol of his immortality. Outraged by Hercules' daring accomplishment, Queen Hera rewarded Draco for his faithfulness by lifting him up into the sky to be remembered forever as a constellation and to be seen by all for eternity. Today, the Dragon peacefully winds and twists around the North Celestial Pole.