M63 / Sunflower Galaxy / NGC 5055
| Name | Sunflower Galaxy |
| Designation(s) | M63, NGC 5055 |
| Object Type(s) | Galaxy |
| Relevant Catalog(s) | All (Chron), Messier, NGC |
| Obs. Lat/Long | 42° 17', 073° 57' |
| Constellation | Canes Venatici |
| Date and Time Observed | 2024-04-22 23:52:00 |
| Instrument | EdgeHD 8" f10-2,032mm FL |
| Camera | ASI294mc-Pro |
| Image Details | Up is 274.6 degrees E of N. Total integration time was 29m. Exposures 30s@305g, UV/IR Cut Filter. Darks subtracted, no flats. Dithered and recentered in SharpCap. No guiding. |
| Description | M63 was in a prime observing location except for its proximity to the full moon. Last year, I lost my telescope during Galaxy Season, so this was my first observation. Given the conditions, I'm pleased. May take another crack at it in dark skies to see the difference. It's a fascinating, tight spiral, nearly circular. The sunflower moniker is apt, as it's bright enough to give us a good view of the disc's side... it appears to be floating, facing the sun. Lovely! |
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