Sunflower Galaxy (M 63)
Sunflower Galaxy (M 63) is a galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici, magnitude 8.6, 12′ × 7.2′ across.
A bright spiral whose short, patchy arms give it the look of a sunflower in photographs; telescopes show an oval glow with a bright, star-like nucleus.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around May, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in April). It can be seen from everywhere north of 48°S and never sets north of 48°N.
At its highest it stands 82° up from 50°N, 83° up from 35°N, 48° up from the equator, 13° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Galaxy
- Constellation
- Canes Venatici
- Designations
- M 63, NGC 5055
- Magnitude
- 8.6
- Apparent size
- 12′ × 7.2′
- Position
- RA 13h 15.8m, Dec +42° 2′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Sunflower Galaxy (M 63) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.