M100 on 2024-04-05,06

The spiral galaxy M100, also know as Messier 100 and NGC4321. It is a grand design, starburst, spiral galaxy, with the strongest star formation activity concentrated in its center. M100 is located in the southern part of the constellation Coma Berenices and is about 55 million light-years from Earth. It is one of the brightest members of the Virgo Cluster, which is the closest cluster of galaxies to our local group of galaxies. Our local group of galaxies includes the Milky Way Galaxy (our home galaxy), the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 30 other galaxies. The Virgo Cluster of galaxies contains approximately 2,500 galaxies, including spirals, ellipticals, and irregulars. In this picture, located to the right of M100, is the smaller galaxy NGC4328. Located below M100 is the smaller galaxy NGC4323. There are also several other very tiny galaxies in the picture.

M100 on 2024-04-05,06 and the Virgo Cluster of Galaxies - WIDE FIELD VIEW

The area around M100 is part of the Virgo cluster of Galaxies.  A group of about 2,500 galaxies. M100 is the brightest galaxy in thie photo. Above M100, and half-way to the top, is the edge on galaxy NGC4312.  If you download the Full Size View, and zoom in, you will see dozens of tiny, faint and fuzzy galaxies. Study the picture carefully!

This photo was taken in Kyle, Texas through a 6-inch f/4 Telescope, on a Sky-Watcher EQ6-R mount, using a ZWO ASI533MC PRO color camera. The processing was done in PixInsight. The total image acquisition time is: 03 hrs 49 min 30 sec.

 Full Size View Full size files are very large and can take a minute to download. After downloading the full-size picture to zoom in or out on a computer hold down the Ctrl key and use the scroll mouse button, or you can press the + or - key.

Previous, Older Photos

M100 on 2008-03-11

M100 on 2005-12-29

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