Sombrero Galaxy
Galaxy in Virgo · 29 million light-years
🔭 Explore Sombrero Galaxy in the 3D map →View Sombrero Galaxy images →| Type | Galaxy |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Virgo |
| Right ascension | 12h 40m 01s |
| Declination | −11° 37′ |
| Object distance | 29 million light-years |
| Also known as | M104 |
| Imaged by | Hubble, JWST |
A galaxy seen nearly edge-on, its bright bulge and dark dust lane giving it the look of a wide-brimmed hat.
Observing Sombrero Galaxy
Sombrero Galaxy lies in the constellation Virgo and is best placed in the evening sky around March. Its maximum altitude above the horizon depends on your latitude. Lying near the celestial equator, it can be seen from both hemispheres. Note that the listed magnitude is spread across the whole object — diffuse galaxies and nebulae are often harder to see than the number alone suggests, so dark, moonless skies help a great deal.
See Sombrero Galaxy in Universe Finder
Open the interactive 3D map to fly to Sombrero Galaxy and see it in context among the real stars around it. Launch the 3D view →
Sources
- Position and distance curated from published deep-sky catalogues (Messier / NGC / IC and the astronomical literature).
- Object identity cross-referenced with SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg).
- Image credits and the original observation source are linked with each photograph.
Related objects
- Andromeda Galaxy — galaxy
- Triangulum Galaxy — galaxy
- Whirlpool Galaxy — galaxy
- Messier 110 — galaxy
- Messier 32 — galaxy