Messier 96

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Messier 96
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Constellation: Leo
Right ascension: 10h 46m 45.7s[1]
Declination: +11° 49′ 12″[1]
Redshift: 897 ± 4 km/s[1]
Distance: 34 ± 3 Mly (10.4 ± 1.1 kpc)[2]
Type: SAB(rs)ab[1]
Apparent dimensions (V): 7′.6 × 5′.2[1]
Apparent magnitude (V): +10.1[1]
Notable features:
Other designations
NGC 3368,[1] UGC 5882,[1] PGC 32192[1]
See also: Galaxy, List of galaxies


Messier 96 (also known as NGC 3368) is an intermediate spiral galaxy about 34 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781.

[edit] Environment

M96 is the brightest galaxy within the M96 Group, a group of galaxies in the constellation Leo also includes the Messier objects M95 and M105 as well as at least nine other galaxies.[3][4][5][6]

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database. Results for NGC 3368. Retrieved on October 24, 2006.
  2. ^ J. L. Tonry, A. Dressler, J. P. Blakeslee, E. A. Ajhar, A. B. Fletcher, G. A. Luppino, M. R. Metzger, C. B. Moore (2001). "The SBF Survey of Galaxy Distances. IV. SBF Magnitudes, Colors, and Distances". Astrophysical Journal 546 (2): 681-693. 
  3. ^ R. B. Tully (1988). Nearby Galaxies Catalog. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-35299-1. 
  4. ^ P. Fouque, E. Gourgoulhon, P. Chamaraux, G. Paturel (1992). "Groups of galaxies within 80 Mpc. II - The catalogue of groups and group members". Astronomy and Astrophysics Supplement 93: 211-233. 
  5. ^ A. Garcia (1993). "General study of group membership. II - Determination of nearby groups". Astronomy and Astrophysics Supplement 100: 47-90. 
  6. ^ G. Giuricin, C. Marinoni, L. Ceriani, A. Pisani (2000). "Nearby Optical Galaxies: Selection of the Sample and Identification of Groups". Astrophysical Journal 543: 178-194.