Messier Object 104, The Sombrero Galaxy
 

 

Image Information
Date Imaged 2003
Location Imaged From Tierra del Sol, CA
Equipment Telescope: Meade 8' LX200
Camera - SBIG 237-A
Focal Ratio: f/10
Exposure Information Unguided 1 minute X 30

The Sombrero Galaxy (also known as M104 or NGC 4594) is an unbarred spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo. It has a bright nucleus, an unusually large central bulge, and a prominent dust lane in its inclined disk. The dark dust lane and the bulge give this galaxy the appearance of a sombrero. The galaxy has an apparent magnitude of 9.0, making it a galaxy that can easily be seen with amateur telescopes. The large bulge, the central supermassive black hole, and the dust lane all attract the attention of professional astronomers.

 

Copyright © Bob Austin 2007. All rights Reserved.