Messier 66

Messier 66 (M66) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Leo, with an apparent magnitude of 8.9. It is about 29.5 million light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 66 in the constellation Leo
Messier 66 (circled) in Leo. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 66 (M66)
Typespiral galaxy
ConstellationLeo
Apparent magnitude8.9
Distanceabout 29.5 million light-years
Right ascension11 h 20.3 min
Declination+12.99°
Best monthApril (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 M66

M66 is in Leo. From 40° N it is highest in the south in April evenings, about 63° up. From 35° S it reaches about 42° in the north. You need a telescope and a dark sky to see it.

Leo constellation →

Other Messier objects in Leo

Messier 65 (M65)Messier 95 (M95)Messier 96 (M96)Messier 105 (M105)

The Messier catalog →

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