deep-sky
galaxy (spiral)
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Messier 64, also known as the Black Eye galaxy features a dark and prominent dust lane.
The galaxy can be found in the constellation Coma Berenices and lies at a distance of 24 million light years.
Recent studies of the galaxy have revealed that the gas in the outer regions of M64 rotates in the opposite direction from the gas and stars in the inner region of the galaxy.
Current explanation for this behaviour is the possible collision and absorption of another galaxy.
Other / older versions :
Image information:
Object info
Name: M64 – The Black Eye Galaxy
Type: Galaxy (spiral)
Constellation: Coma Berenices
Distance: 24 Mly
Date & location
Date: March 31, 2009
Location: Landgraaf, The Netherlands
Equipment & optics
Total integration: 1h24m
Camera: Canon 20D
Optics: Orion Optics SPX 10″ Newton
Mount: Losmandy G-11 Gemini
Image comments
Noise and banding issues in this image.