Messier 96

Messier 96 (M96) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Leo, with an apparent magnitude of 9.3. It is about 34.8 million light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 96 in the constellation Leo
Messier 96 (circled) in Leo. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 96 (M96)
Typespiral galaxy
ConstellationLeo
Apparent magnitude9.3
Distanceabout 34.8 million light-years
Right ascension10 h 46.8 min
Declination+11.82°
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 M96

M96 is in Leo. From 40° N it is highest in the south in April evenings, about 62° up. From 35° S it reaches about 43° 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 66 (M66)Messier 95 (M95)Messier 105 (M105)

The Messier catalog →

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