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Spiral galaxy M63

Spiral galaxy M63 or Sunflower is in the constellation Canes Venatici (CVn).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):13^h15.8^m, Dec (δ):+42° 02'

Visual magnitude: 8,6^m
Distance from the galaxy M63 to the Sun is 26,7*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 13'×7'
Class: Sb
External dimensions the galaxy M63 are about 98000 light years.
Estimated weight the galaxy: 140x10⁹ suns

Discoverer: Pierre François André Méchain, 14.06.1779 year.

The designation M63 in other catalogs: NGC 5055

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M63, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/6-D/2. 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 M63 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 M63 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 62

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