M94, The Croc's Eye Galaxy

 

    M94 (NGC 4736), Magnitude 8.2 Sb Spiral Galaxy, Size 7.0'x3.0', Constellation: Canes Venatici.

 

Image Details:

M94 is without doubt the easiest galaxy in the Northern Hemisphere for visual observers who must work from light-polluted areas. The nucleus is intensely bright, looking like a fairly prominent field star at low magnifications.

While M94 is listed as an Sb spiral, it's clear it's not a normal one. It's thought that the brightness of its nuclear region is due to the presence of a huge black hole; one which is currently feeding.

Not only did the Stellacam reveal the somewhat difficult tightly-wrapped spiral arms, it also showed up the dimmer oval outer envelope of the Croc's Eye...


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