Sombrero Galaxy (M104)

Sombrero Galaxy (M104) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo, with an apparent magnitude of 8.0. It is about 42.4 million light-years away.

Finder chart for the Sombrero Galaxy (M104) in the constellation Virgo
the Sombrero Galaxy (M104) (circled) in Virgo. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 104 (M104)
Typespiral galaxy
ConstellationVirgo
Apparent magnitude8.0
Distanceabout 42.4 million light-years
Right ascension12 h 40.0 min
Declination−11.62°
Best monthMay (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find the Sombrero Galaxy

The Sombrero Galaxy is in Virgo. From 40° N it is highest in the south in May evenings, about 38° up. From 35° S it reaches about 67° in the north. Binoculars show it under a dark sky; a small telescope shows more detail.

Virgo constellation →

Other Messier objects in Virgo

Messier 49 (M49)Messier 58 (M58)Messier 59 (M59)Messier 60 (M60)Messier 61 (M61)Messier 84 (M84)Messier 86 (M86)Messier 87 (M87)Messier 89 (M89)Messier 90 (M90)

The Messier catalog →

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