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Spiral galaxy M66

Spiral galaxy M66 is in the constellation Leo (Leo).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):11^h20.2^m, Dec (δ):+12° 59'

Visual magnitude: 9,0^m
Distance from the galaxy M66 to the Sun is 32,8*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 9'×4'
Class: Sb
External dimensions the galaxy M66 are about 87000 light years.

Discoverer: Pierre François André Méchain, 01.03.1780 year.

The designation M66 in other catalogs: NGC 3627

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M66, 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 M66 is April. 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.

Мessier 65

Мessier 67

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