Your guide to astrophotography

Roughly 33 million light-years away in the constellation Leo resides a majestic barred spiral galaxy known as Messier 95, or M95 for short. M95 is a vibrant, young galaxy by cosmic standards. Its spiral arms are teeming with star formation, fueled by vast reserves of gas and dust. A prominent feature within the galaxy is a ring-shaped structure encircling the central bar. This ring is a hotbed of star formation, churning out new stars at a rapid pace.

M95 and the Milky Way galaxy are actually quite comparable in size. Estimates suggest M95 has a diameter of around 75,000 light-years, while the Milky Way is thought to be roughly 100,000 light-years across. So, the Milky Way might be a bit wider, but they’re both considered large spiral galaxies.

Situated roughly 23 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici, the Hunting Dogs, M106 stands as a grand intermediate spiral galaxy. With a diameter exceeding 130,000 light-years, it rivals the size of our Milky Way galaxy.

Despite its grandeur, observing M106 presents a challenge for astrophotographers in the Northern Hemisphere, as it never ascends very high above the horizon. Nevertheless, astrophotographers can capture swirling arms, luminous gas clouds, and a detailed central region.

Nestled within the constellation Leo (the Lion) lies a bright pair of galaxies: M96 and M95.

Messier 96 (on the left), also known as M96 or NGC 3368, is an intermediate spiral galaxy about 31 million light-years away. It is also about the same size as our own Milky Way galaxy.

Messier 95 (on the right), also known as M95 or NGC 3351, is a barred spiral galaxy (notice the central bar structure) about 33 million light years away.