M96 is a Sa-type spiral galaxy in Leo that is relatively bright at magnitude 9.3. M96 was discovered in March 1781 by P. Mechain. Charles Messier added it to the third version of his list published in 1781. This galaxy is located about 9 degrees east of Regulus. M96 can be seen in the same field of view in a telescope with M95 and M105. M96 is about 29,000,000 light-years away. This galaxy is part of the Leo Galaxy Group that includes M65, M66, M95 and M105.
This is an RGB color composite CCD image taken with an SBIG ST-8XE CCD on a Takahashi FCT-150 refractor at f7.
M96 (NGC 3368)
Constellation: Leo
RA: 10h 47m 07s Dec: +11d 47' 10"
February 22, 2006
Image by Sid Leach
Scottsdale, Arizona
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