The Black Eye Galaxy Messier 64
Taken by Tom Wildoner on March 9, 2026 @
Weatherly, PA, USA
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Camera Used: Unavailable Unavailable
Exposure Time: Unavailable
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ISO: Unavailable
Date Taken: 2026:03:12 15:30:12
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Details:
Messier 64, famously known as the Black Eye Galaxy (also called Sleeping Beauty Galaxy or Evil Eye Galaxy and designated M64, or NGC 4826), is a stunning spiral galaxy located approximately 17 million light-years away in the constellation Coma Berenices. It is most recognizable for the spectacular band of dark dust that partially obscures its bright central core, giving it a bruised or "shadowed" appearance. Beyond its looks, M64 is an internal cosmic oddity; while the stars in the galaxy all rotate in one direction, the interstellar gas in its outer regions rotates in the opposite direction. This counter-rotation is likely the result of a collision with a smaller satellite galaxy over a billion years ago. The friction between these opposing gas systems triggers intense waves of star formation, making it a favorite subject for both professional researchers and amateur astronomers.
🔭 Technical Details:
Telescope: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT with Antares Focal Reducer
Camera: ZWO ASI071MC (cooled to -10°F) BIN2
Mount: Celestron CGX-L pier mounted
Capture: 300m total exposure (60s subs) via ASIAir Pro
Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA (Bortle 4)
Processing: PixInsight & DeepSkyStacker
Image Date: February 14 and March 9, 2026.
Photographer's website:
https://www.thedarksideobservatory.com
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