Sombrero Galaxy M104

Astrophotography by David Gares

Sombrero Galaxy M104

M104, the Sombrero Galaxy, is named for its appearance as a brimmed hat with the edge formed by the prominent dust lane. This is a photogenic object (under darker skies than mine). A bright moon was out for the earlier shot. In both cases M104 was low in the southern sky. We view this galaxy nearly edge-on since there's only a 6 degree tilt. X-ray emissions show material falling into the compact core of the galaxy where a one-billion solar-mass resides.

Sombrero Galaxy M104
(Click image to enlarge)

Object Details:
Type: Spiral Galaxy
Constellation: Virgo
Distance: 50 million light-years
Diameter: 130,000 light-years

Image Details:
Scale: 215,000 x 159,000 light years
Date:  17-Feb-2013
Site: Harahan, LA
Conditions: Cold, Dry
Exposure:  29 x 3min
Filters:  IDAS LPS-V4 48mm
Processing: MSB Astroart 5.0
Telescope: 8" Celeston EdgeHD f/10
Image CCD: SX SXVF-H9C
Guide CCD:  SX  MX7C
Guide Scope: AT66ED / ScopeStuff TB2X

Image Details:
Date: April 10, 2004
Site: Harahan, LA
Exposure: CCD, 5 x 5 min.
Filters: Orion SkyGlow LPR
Processing: MSB Astroart 3.0
Telescope: 10" Meade LX200
Reducer: Meade, f/4.3
CCD: Starlight Express MX7C
Autoguider: S.T.A.R. 2000