Hockey Stick Galaxy (NGC 4656)

Hockey Stick Galaxy (NGC 4656) is a galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici, magnitude 9.8 (blue), 6.5′ × 40″ across.

A 9.8-magnitude (B-band) barred Magellanic spiral galaxy (SBm) in Canes Venatici, about 6.5′ × 0.7′.

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 58°S and never sets north of 58°N.

At its highest it stands 72° up from 50°N, 87° up from 35°N, 58° up from the equator, 23° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Galaxy

Constellation

Canes Venatici

Designations

NGC 4656

Magnitude

9.8 (blue)

Apparent size

6.5′ × 40″

Position

RA 12h 44.0m, Dec +32° 10′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Hockey Stick Galaxy (NGC 4656) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.