Blackeye Galaxy
spiral galaxy · Coma Berenices · 8.5ᵐ
The Black Eye Galaxy is named for the dark dust band in front of its nucleus. Its outer gas disc rotates opposite to the inner one — the mark of an ancient merger.
Notable facts
About 1/3 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Blackeye Galaxy in?
Blackeye Galaxy lies in Coma Berenices.
Is Blackeye Galaxy visible to the naked eye?
8.5ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe Blackeye Galaxy?
Best observed in April.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 12h 57m · +21° 41′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Coma Berenices
- How to observe
- 8.5ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 10×5′
- Designation
- M64 · NGC 4826 · Blackeye 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° | 52° | 42° |
| +55° | 57° | 50° |
| +45° | 67° | 58° |
| +30° | 82° | 65° |
| 0° | 68° | 68° |
| −35° | 33° | 63° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 05:11 |
| February | 03:04 |
| March | 01:19 |
| April | 23:25 |
| May | 21:31 |
| June | 19:25 |
| July | 17:21 |
| August | 15:20 |
| September | 13:27 |
| October | 11:38 |
| November | 09:37 |
| December | 07:29 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.