Sunflower Galaxy (M63)

Sunflower Galaxy (M63) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici, with an apparent magnitude of 8.6. It is about 29.3 million light-years away.

Finder chart for the Sunflower Galaxy (M63) in the constellation Canes Venatici
the Sunflower Galaxy (M63) (circled) in Canes Venatici. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 63 (M63)
Typespiral galaxy
ConstellationCanes Venatici
Apparent magnitude8.6
Distanceabout 29.3 million light-years
Right ascension13 h 15.8 min
Declination+42.03°
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 Sunflower Galaxy

The Sunflower Galaxy is in Canes Venatici. From 40° N it is highest in the north in May evenings, about 88° up. From 35° S it reaches about 13° in the north. You need a telescope and a dark sky to see it.

Canes Venatici constellation →

Other Messier objects in Canes Venatici

Messier 3 (M3)Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)Messier 94 (M94)Messier 106 (M106)

The Messier catalog →

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