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Spiral galaxy M96

Spiral galaxy M96 is in the constellation Leo (Leo).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):10^h46.8^m, Dec (δ):+11° 49'

Visual magnitude: 9,2^m
Distance from the galaxy M96 to the Sun is 34,3*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 8'×5'
Class: Sbp (SBab)
External dimensions the galaxy M96 are about 76000 light years.
Estimated weight the galaxy: 80x10⁹ suns

Discoverer: Pierre François André Méchain, 20.03.1781 year.

The designation M96 in other catalogs: NGC 3368

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M96, 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 M96 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 95

Мessier 97

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