Astronomy Photo: M63 Sunflower Galaxy
My Observation:
Taken: 1 June 2024 at 11:02 PM EST
Equipment: Unistellar Equinox2
General Information:
- Messier Designation: M63
- Type: Spiral Galaxy
- Distance from Earth: 27,000,000 light years
The Sunflower Galaxy, also known as Messier 63, is a stunning example of a spiral galaxy located approximately 27 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. This galaxy is particularly noted for its intricate spiral arms, which are densely packed with star-forming regions, clusters of young blue stars, and lanes of dark dust, giving it a striking resemblance to a sunflower. Its bright core and the graceful sweep of its arms are highlighted by the backdrop of space, making it a favored subject of study among astronomers. The Sunflower Galaxy is part of the M51 Group, a galaxy group that includes the famous Whirlpool Galaxy, and its relatively bright appearance makes it a popular target for both professional and amateur astronomers.
Additional Details from NASA:
Hubble Image:
https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/potw1536a-jpg.webp?w=2048&format=webp
