M61, courtesy of NOAO |
|
| Observation data: J2000 epoch | |
|---|---|
| Constellation: | Virgo |
| Right ascension: | 12h 21m 54.9s[1] |
| Declination: | +04° 28′ 25″[1] |
| Redshift: | 1566 ± 2 km/s[1] |
| Distance: | 60 Mly |
| Type: | SAB(rs)bc[1] |
| Apparent dimensions (V): | 6′.5 × 5′.8[1] |
| Apparent magnitude (V): | 10.2[1] |
| Notable features: | - |
| Other designations | |
| NGC 4303[1], UGC 7420[1], PGC 40001[1] | |
| See also: Galaxy, List of galaxies | |
Messier 61 (also known as M61 or NGC 4303) is a spiral galaxy in the Virgo Cluster. It was discovered by Barnabus Oriani on May 5, 1779. M61 is one of the larger members of the Virgo Cluster. Five supernovae have been observed in this galaxy, most recently in 2006.
Infrared image of M61 taken par the Spitzer Space Telescope
External links
- www.seds.org/messier/m/m061.html
- [1] List of recent supernovae.
