Spiral galaxy · Virgo

M104 Sombrero Galaxy

Also known as: NGC 4594

mag 8.39′ across

About

M104, the Sombrero Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy of magnitude 8.3 in Virgo, about 9′ across.

M104 is in the constellation Virgo.
Best evenings: around mid-May it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from south of 68° N.
Spring Triangle: Just outside the triangle, 11° west of Spica; a telescope.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesNot visible to the naked eye.
Binoculars (10×50)A small elongated smudge.
Telescope (6–8 inch)A bright spindle cut by a thin dark lane, visible in an 8-inch from a dark site.

For a dark country sky with no Moon. From a city, faint galaxies and nebulae can disappear completely.

Designations	M104, NGC 4594, PGC 42407, UGCA 293
Type	Spiral galaxy (Sa)
Magnitude	8.3The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	9′ × 5.3′position angle 90°; the full Moon is 31′ across
Surface brightness	22.3 mag/arcsec²Average over its disc, in the blue band: the lower the number, the easier it is to see.
Constellation	Virgo
Right ascension (J2000)	12h 39m 59.4s
Declination (J2000)	−11° 37′ 23″