Sombrero
spiral galaxy · Virgo · 8.3ᵐ
The Sombrero Galaxy is seen nearly edge-on — a broad dust lane and bright central bulge really do suggest a hat.
Notable facts
About 1/3 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Sombrero in?
Sombrero lies in Virgo.
Is Sombrero visible to the naked eye?
8.3ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe Sombrero?
Best observed in March.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 12h 40m · −11° 37′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Virgo
- How to observe
- 8.3ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 9×4′
- Designation
- M104 · NGC 4594 · Sombrero
Observing tip
Get away from city light pollution — it washes out the faint glow of galaxies first.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 18° | 114° |
| +55° | 23° | 111° |
| +45° | 33° | 107° |
| +30° | 48° | 103° |
| 0° | 78° | 102° |
| −35° | 67° | 104° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 04:54 |
| February | 02:47 |
| March | 01:02 |
| April | 23:09 |
| May | 21:14 |
| June | 19:08 |
| July | 17:04 |
| August | 15:03 |
| September | 13:10 |
| October | 11:21 |
| November | 09:21 |
| December | 07:12 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.