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Observation by Alan Thomas: M61 Barred Spiral Galaxy in Virgo

Uploaded by

Alan Thomas

Observer

Alan Thomas

Observed

2022 Apr 29 - 22:01

Uploaded

2022 May 10 - 18:05

Objects

M61

Planetarium overlay









Constellation

Virgo

Field centre

RA: 12h21m
Dec: +04°28'
Position angle: -2°47'

Field size

0°24' × 0°18'

Equipment
  • Unistellar eQuinox 112mm reflector
Exposure

15min.

Location

Norbreck Observatory, Warrington, Cheshire, UK.

Target name

M61 Barred Spiral Galaxy in Virgo

Title

M61 Barred Spiral Galaxy in Virgo

About this image

This barred spiral galaxy was discovered by the Italian astronomer Barnaba Oriani on May 5, 1779. Messier observed it on the same night but mistook it for a comet. This image shows a bright nucleus and bar enveloped by two gigantic arms, giving an almost rectangular effect.

Diameter c.100,000 ly. Distance c.52million ly. Apparent mag. 10.18.

Bortle 7/8, Moon waning crescent 1%.

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