| Sunflower Galaxy | |
|---|---|
M63 from GALEX sky survey |
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| Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
| Constellation | Canes Venatici |
| Right ascension | 13h 15m 49.3s[1] |
| Declination | +42° 01′ 45″[1] |
| Redshift | 504 km/s[1] |
| Distance | 37 Mly[2] |
| Type | SA(rs)bc[1] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 12′.6 × 7′.2[1] |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 9.3[1] |
| Other designations | |
| M63, NGC 5055, UGC 8334, PGC 46153[1] | |
| See also: Galaxy, List of galaxies | |
The Sunflower Galaxy (also known as Messier 63, M63, or NGC 5055) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici consisting of a central disc surrounded by many short spiral arm segments. The Sunflower Galaxy is part of the M51 Group, a group of galaxies that also includes the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51).
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The Sunflower Galaxy was discovered by Pierre Méchain on June 14, 1779.[3] The galaxy was then listed by Charles Messier as object 63 in the Messier Catalogue.
In the mid-19th century, Lord Rosse identified spiral structure within the galaxy, making this one of the first galaxies in which such structure was identified.[3]
In 1971, a supernova with a magnitude of 11.8 appeared in one of the arms of M63.
Coordinates: 13h 15m 49.3s, +42° 01′ 45″
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