The Sunflower Galaxy - Messier 63
Taken by Tom Wildoner on April 1, 2025 @
Weatherly, PA, USA
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Date Taken: 2025:04:05 13:40:38
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Details:
Here is a view of the Sunflower Galaxy, Messier 63 (M63, NGC 5055) found in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is a spiral galaxy surrounded by many short spiral arm segments. It is also a member of a group of galaxies referred to as the M51 Group. The Sunflower Galaxy lies roughly 37 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 9.3. This has been one of my favorite galaxies to image during galaxy season.
Distance to Earth: 27 million light years
Radius: 49,000 light years
Right ascension: 13h 15m 49.3s
Declination: +42°01’45”
Apparent Magnitude: 9.3
Apparent dimensions: 12′.6 x 7′.2
Stars: 400 billion
Common Name: Sunflower Galaxy
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 81 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Photographer's website:
https://www.thedarksideobservatory.com
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