M61 is one of the largest members of Virgo Cluster, and belongs to a smaller subgroup known as the
S Cloud. The
morphological classification of SAB(rs)bc indicates a weakly-barred spiral (SAB) with the suggestion of a ring structure (rs) and moderate to loosely wound spiral arms. It has an
active galactic nucleus and is classified as a
starburst galaxy containing a
massivenuclear star cluster with an estimated mass of 105
solar masses and an age of 4 million years, as well as a central candidate
supermassive black hole weighing around 5×106 M☉ solar masses. It cohabits with an older massive star cluster as well as a likely older starburst. Evidence of significant star formation and active bright
nebulae appears across M61's disk. Unlike most
late-type spiral galaxies within the Virgo Cluster, M61 shows an unusual abundance of
neutral hydrogen (H I).
Source: Wikipedia
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