Galaxy · Barred spiral
M96
M96 is a galaxy in the direction of the constellation Leo, 30.7 million light-years away.
| Type | Barred spiral |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Leo |
| Distance | 30.7 million light-years (9.40 Mpc) |
| Diameter | 71,800 light-years · 0.82 × the Milky Way |
| Absolute magnitude | magnitude −20.70 |
| Apparent magnitude | magnitude 9.17 |
| Luminosity | 0.83 × the Milky Way |
| Right ascension (J2000) | 10h 46m 45.8s |
| Declination (J2000) | +11° 49′ 12″ |
| Source | Compiled catalogue (NED, approximate values) |
In the sky
A telescope is needed to see it: its apparent magnitude is 9.17. Visible from the whole Northern Hemisphere and south to latitude 78° S. North of latitude 78° N it never sets. It stands highest at midnight in March, the best time to observe it.
Through a telescope from Earth
Light's journey
The light you see tonight set out 31 million years ago. At that time the dinosaurs were gone and mammals were diversifying; there was no human lineage yet. At the speed of Voyager 1, the fastest craft leaving the Solar System (16.9 km per second), the trip would take 543.9 billion years.