Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Canes Venatici (CVn)  ·  Contains:  M 106  ·  NGC 4217  ·  NGC 4220  ·  NGC 4248  ·  NGC 4258  ·  NGC 4346
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Messier Object 106 - 3/17/2010, AstroPoverty
Messier Object 106 - 3/17/2010
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Messier Object 106 - 3/17/2010

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
Messier Object 106 - 3/17/2010, AstroPoverty
Messier Object 106 - 3/17/2010
Powered byPixInsight

Messier Object 106 - 3/17/2010

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Description

The large well formed spiral galaxy in the center of the image is Messier Object 106. The light that traveled through my telescope to capture this image is some 25 million years old and came from the constellation Canes Venatici (near the Big Dipper). Most galaxies contain super massive black holes in their cores, but most have reached a state of equilibrium and are relatively stable structures. Astronomers believe, due to the type of X-Ray radiation emitted from the center of this galaxy, that the visible parts of this galaxy might be in the process of being consumed by this black hole.

Looking up and to the left (near the top of the image), you will see what is referred to as an "edge-on" galaxy due to its relative orientation to Earth. This galaxy is also a spiral structure and resembles what out own Milky Way looks like from this same orientation. No fancy name here… this galaxy is referred to as NGC 4217.

Taking a quick look around, I can spot at least 10 other galaxies… sufficient enough to humble me on any day.

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Messier Object 106 - 3/17/2010, AstroPoverty