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Elliptical galaxy M49

Elliptical galaxy M49 is in the constellation Virgo (Vir).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):12^h29.8^m, Dec (δ):+08° 00'

Visual magnitude: 8,4^m
Distance from the galaxy M49 to the Sun is 53,1*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 10'×8'
Class: E4
External dimensions the galaxy M49 are about 157000 light years.
Estimated weight the galaxy: 200x10⁹ suns
The mass of the central object (black hole): 500x10⁶ suns

Discoverer: Charles Messier, 19.02.1771 year.

The designation M49 in other catalogs: NGC 4472

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M49, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/6-D/3. Higher magnifications of course add details, but lead to a strong drop in the brightness of the image, making it difficult to observe.

The best month for observing M49 is May. At this time, the object is at midnight near its highest point in the sky, that is, it is less affected by light from the lanterns and atmospheric distortions.

For observers in the northern latitudes:the night sky in May is no longer very dark, so try also to observe M49 in April.
Of course, in April the object is at midnight not at its highest point, whichprovides the least exposure and atmospheric distortion. But, the darkness of the April sky greatly increases the contrast.The farther south the location of your observation is located, the darker the summer sky will be.

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