... М59 < М60 > М61 ...

Elliptical galaxy M60

Elliptical galaxy M60 is in the constellation Virgo (Vir).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):12^h43.7^m, Dec (δ):+11° 33'

Visual magnitude: 8,8^m
Distance from the galaxy M60 to the Sun is 53,2*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 7'×6'
Class: E1
External dimensions the galaxy M60 are about 115000 light years.
The mass of the central object (black hole): 4000x10⁶ suns

Discoverer: Johann Gottfried Koehler, 1779 year.

The designation M60 in other catalogs: NGC 4649

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M60, 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 M60 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 M60 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.

Мessier 59

Мessier 61

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