Galaxy in Virgo
As it crosses through the southern sky each spring, the Sombrero Galaxy is a popular target for galaxy observers. It can be seen with telescopes large and small. Its bright nucleus and sharply pointed arms are fairly easy to see. The lower half of the galaxy, below the broad dust lane, is dimmer and requires a reasonably dark sky to see well.
At the right side of this image is a group of 4 stars in a distinctive arrow shape that points directly to M104 and helps to find it through the eyepiece. I call this asterism the Sombrero Arrow.
| Magnitude | 8.3 |
| Apparent Size | 9' x 4' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 29 million |
| Right Ascension | 12:40.0 |
| Declination | -11 37 |
| Field of View | 40' x 27' |
Image details: 78 exposures of 120 seconds each, taken with a ZWO ASI2600MC Pro imager and a 14" Meade LX850 telescope at f/5.6.
May 2026