Spindle Galaxy (NGC 3115)
Spindle Galaxy (NGC 3115) is a galaxy in the constellation Sextans, magnitude 9.1, 7.1′ × 3.0′ across.
A bright edge-on lenticular galaxy in Sextans, a sharp spindle of light with a bright center; it hosts one of the nearest billion-solar-mass black holes.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around March, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in February). It can be seen from everywhere south of 82°N and never sets south of 82°S.
At its highest it stands 32° up from 50°N, 47° up from 35°N, 82° up from the equator, 63° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Galaxy
- Constellation
- Sextans
- Designations
- NGC 3115, C 53
- Magnitude
- 9.1
- Apparent size
- 7.1′ × 3.0′
- Position
- RA 10h 5.2m, Dec −7° 43′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Spindle Galaxy (NGC 3115) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.