Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Canes Venatici (CVn)  ·  Contains:  M 63  ·  NGC 5055  ·  Sunflower Galaxy
The Sunflower Galaxy, AlBroxton
The Sunflower Galaxy
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The Sunflower Galaxy

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Description

The Sunflower Galaxy (also known as Messier 63, M63, or NGC 5055) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici consisting of a central disc surrounded by many short spiral arm segments. The Sunflower Galaxy is part of the M51 Group, a group of galaxies that also includes the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). It earned this name due to its sunflower-like appearance. It was originally discovered in 1779 by Messier's friend, Pierre Mechain. This galaxy is located about 37 million light-years from Earth, and is part of a group of galaxies that includes M51. A good telescope and optimal sky conditions will reveal the galaxy's spiral arms as a grainy background that brightens considerably towards its center. Color photos of this galaxy show star-forming regions throughout its spiral arms. Discovered by Mechain on June 14th 1779.

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  • The Sunflower Galaxy, AlBroxton
    Original
  • Final
    The Sunflower Galaxy, AlBroxton
    B

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The Sunflower Galaxy, AlBroxton

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Allen Broxton
Galaxies