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Messier 96 |
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 | The Sa spiral galaxy M96 is the second brightest member of the Leo I galaxy grouping, which includes M95 and M105, as well as various NGC and other galaxies. At a distance of about 38 million light-years, the faint outer regions just visible at the top and (particularly) the bottom of this image give M96 a total diameter of over 100,000 light-years. In a 8" scope, this galaxy also has a stellar core, quickly dropping off in brightness around the edges. There is just a hint of shape and direction to it. It is fairly easy to spot, as it is placed in a section of the sky that is rather devoid of stars. 81x seemed to offer the best view. |
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| You can find more information about this Messier object by visiting: SEDS - The Messier Catalog. |
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M96 NGC3368 Dreyer description: Very bright, very large, little extended, very abruptly very much brighter middle, resolvable, but mottled; = M96. Const: Leo Magnitude: 9.9 RA: 10h 46m 58.7s Dec: +11°47'59" RA: 10h 46m 45.2s Dec: +11°49'16" (Epoch 2000) Azm: 241°32'03" Alt: +39°25'04" Rise: 10:42 Transit: 17:35 Set: 00:28 Size: 7.5' x 5.2' |