Messier 63 (M63), also known as the Sunflower Galaxy, is a striking spiral galaxy located approximately 27 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1779 and later included in Charles Messier's catalog of deep-sky objects. M63 is part of the M51 Group, a collection of galaxies that includes the famous Whirlpool Galaxy (M51).

M63 is notable for its flocculent spiral structure, characterized by many short, patchy spiral arms rather than the grand design seen in other spirals like M51. These arms are dotted with star-forming regions and clusters of young, blue stars, giving the galaxy its sunflower-like appearance. Recent studies have also revealed faint outer arms, suggesting M63 has undergone interactions with neighboring galaxies, influencing its structure and star formation activities.

The Sunflower galaxy was discovered in 1779 by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain and was the first of 24 objects that Méchain would contribute to Charles Messier’s catalog. The galaxy is located roughly 27 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici. It has an apparent magnitude of 9.3 and appears as a faint patch of light in small telescopes. The best time to observe M63 is during May. 

Astrnomik CLS-CCD: 90x300" -10C bin 1x1 ATIK 460ex_neq6pro_newton 200/1000
Astronomik RGB: 45x150" bin 1x1

Integration 9.4 Hours

Copyright: Rémi MERE