Coma Pinwheel (M 99)
Coma Pinwheel (M 99) is a galaxy in the constellation Coma Berenices, magnitude 9.9, 5.0′ × 4.7′ across.
A face-on spiral in the Virgo Cluster with one longer, distorted arm; medium telescopes show a round glow with a hint of spiral structure.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around April, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in March). It can be seen from everywhere north of 76°S and never sets north of 76°N.
At its highest it stands 54° up from 50°N, 69° up from 35°N, 76° up from the equator, 41° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Galaxy
- Constellation
- Coma Berenices
- Designations
- M 99, NGC 4254, Virgo Cluster Pinwheel, St. Catherine's Wheel
- Magnitude
- 9.9
- Apparent size
- 5.0′ × 4.7′
- Position
- RA 12h 18.8m, Dec +14° 25′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Coma Pinwheel (M 99) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.