Spiral galaxies in Leo
Messier 65 is on the right. Along with a third spiral galaxy, NGC 3628 (to their north and outside the frame of this image), they form the well-known Leo Trio. They can be easily seen in the same telescopic field of view with a low-power eyepiece.
Messier 65:
| Magnitude | 9.2 |
| Apparent Size | 10' x 3' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 41 million |
| Right Ascension | 11:18.9 |
| Declination | +13 05 |
| Field of View | 36' x 27' |
Messier 66:
| Magnitude | 9.0 |
| Apparent Size | 9' x 4' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 36 million |
| Right Ascension | 11:20.2 |
| Declination | +12 59 |
Image details: Exposure times of 152 minutes luminance and 34 minutes each of red, green, and blue, taken with an SBIG STF-8300M imager and a 14" Meade LX850 telescope at f/5.5.
April 2023