... М83 < М84 > М85 ...

Elliptical galaxy M84

Elliptical galaxy M84 is in the constellation Virgo (Vir).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):12^h25.1^m, Dec (δ):+12° 53'

Visual magnitude: 9,1^m
Distance from the galaxy M84 to the Sun is 57,8*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 7'×6'
Class: S0 or Е1
External dimensions the galaxy M84 are about 110000 light years.
The mass of the central object (black hole): 1500x10⁶ suns

Discoverer: Charles Messier, 18.03.1781 year.

The designation M84 in other catalogs: NGC 4374

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M84, 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 M84 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 M84 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 83

Мessier 85

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