M61
spiral galaxy · Virgo · 9.7ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — spiral galaxy in Virgo.
Notable facts
About 1/4 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M61 in?
M61 lies in Virgo.
Is M61 visible to the naked eye?
9.7ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe M61?
Best observed in March.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 12h 22m · +4° 28′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Virgo
- How to observe
- 9.7ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 7×6′
- Designation
- M61 · NGC 4303
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° | 34° | 81° |
| +55° | 39° | 82° |
| +45° | 49° | 84° |
| +30° | 64° | 85° |
| 0° | 86° | 86° |
| −35° | 51° | 85° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 04:36 |
| February | 02:29 |
| March | 00:44 |
| April | 22:50 |
| May | 20:56 |
| June | 18:50 |
| July | 16:46 |
| August | 14:45 |
| September | 12:52 |
| October | 11:03 |
| November | 09:03 |
| December | 06:54 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.