Messier 96 (M96) is an asymmetric spiral galaxy in the constellation Leo, about 35 million light-years away, similar in size to the Milky Way. Discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781, it's a member of the M96 Group, and its uneven dust, gas, and spiral arms are likely due to gravitational interactions with nearby galaxies like M95 and M105. It's known for its beautiful, swirling appearance of glowing gas and dark dust, with active star formation in its arms.
Type: Type Sa spiral galaxy (also classified as a double-barred spiral).
Location: Constellation Leo.
Distance: Approximately 31-35 million light-years.
Size: Roughly the same size as the Milky Way, spanning about 100,000 light-years across.
Appearance: A "maelstrom" of glowing gas and dark dust, with weak, asymmetric spiral arms and an off-center core.
Star Formation: Active star formation occurs in its spiral arms, creating pinkish clouds of hydrogen gas.
M96 Group: It is the dominant member of the Leo I Group, a collection of galaxies that also includes M95 and M105.
Gravitational Influence: Its asymmetrical structure is believed to be caused by gravitational interactions with other galaxies in its group, possibly past encounters.
Visibility: Faint (magnitude 9.2) and not visible to the naked eye, but observable with binoculars or a small telescope, most easily in April. Image credit ESO/Oleg Maliy
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