Sunflower Galaxy
spiral galaxy · Canes Venatici · 8.6ᵐ
The Sunflower Galaxy — its spiral arms are not smooth lines but break into many short, flocculent segments.
Notable facts
About 1/2 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Sunflower Galaxy in?
Sunflower Galaxy lies in Canes Venatici.
Is Sunflower Galaxy visible to the naked eye?
8.6ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe Sunflower Galaxy?
Best observed in April.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 13h 16m · +42° 02′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Canes Venatici
- How to observe
- 8.6ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 13×7′
- Designation
- M63 · NGC 5055 · Sunflower Galaxy
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° | 72° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 77° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 87° | 19° |
| +30° | 78° | 39° |
| 0° | 48° | 48° |
| −35° | 13° | 35° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 05:30 |
| February | 03:23 |
| March | 01:38 |
| April | 23:44 |
| May | 21:50 |
| June | 19:44 |
| July | 17:40 |
| August | 15:39 |
| September | 13:46 |
| October | 11:57 |
| November | 09:56 |
| December | 07:48 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.