In the constellation Leo, two majestic galaxies, M95 and M96, stand as celestial marvels awaiting discovery. M95, also known as NGC 3351, boasts a striking spiral structure adorned with regions of vibrant star formation. Meanwhile, M96, or NGC 3368, exhibits a similar spiral form, with spiral arms stretching gracefully from its bright core.

These galaxies reside approximately 38 and 31 million light-years away, respectively, and both belong to the Leo I galaxy group. Their intricate shapes and rich stellar populations provide astronomers with valuable insights into the dynamics of galactic evolution. Observing them in the night sky, one cannot help but marvel at the sheer scale and beauty of the cosmos.

Image Description and Details : M96 is a lovely distrurbed spiral about 31 million ly distant. The most interesting feature to me is the needle galaxy 2MFGC 8391 we see through the arm of M96. This needle is the spitting image of NGC 891 but more distant at about 150 ly away. M96 appeared to me initially as a one-arm galaxy but is described as a double barred spiral.

Astrodon Blue: 31x31" (16' 1") (gain: 25.00) -10°C bin 1x1
Astrodon Green: 24x600" (4h) (gain: 25.00) -10°C bin 1x1
Astrodon Luminance: 61x600" (10h 10') (gain: 25.00) -10°C bin 1x1
Astrodon Red: 27x600" (4h 30') (gain: 25.00) -10°C bin 1x1
Integration total 18h 56' 1"

Planewave CDK14, Planewave L-350, QHY600M

Copyright: Kevin Morefield