M95-M96

M95-M96LRGB2(500).jpg (78466 bytes)

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M96
Object Type: Spiral Galaxy (Sa)
Constellation: Leo
Magnitude: 9.2
Size: 6' x 4'

M95
Object Type: Spiral Galaxy (SBb)
Constellation: Leo
Magnitude: 9.7
Size: 4.4' x 3.3'

M95 (right) amd M96 are a pair of spiral galaxies in the constellation of Leo, about eight degrees west of the Leo Trio. Located 38 million light-years from the solar system, they are visible in binculars and small telescopes. Moderately large telescopes are required to see the spiral structures. M95's central bar and inner spiral arms look a bit like Darth Vader's TIE fighter in Star Wars.

Instrument: Vixen 102-ED/ST-10XME/Astrodon LRGB filters/Losmandy G-11
F-ratio: f/6.5
Exposure: LRGB: L 10 x 6 minutes: R 10 x 6 minutes: G 10 x 6 minutes: B 19 x 6 minutes: RGB binned 2x2
Date: April 19, 20, and 21, 2009
Location: Fort Davis, Texas, USA (Texas Star Party)