M88
spiral galaxy · Coma Berenices · 9.5ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — spiral galaxy in Coma Berenices.
Notable facts
About 1/4 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M88 in?
M88 lies in Coma Berenices.
Is M88 visible to the naked eye?
9.5ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe M88?
Best observed in March.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 12h 32m · +14° 25′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Coma Berenices
- How to observe
- 9.5ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 7×4′
- Designation
- M88 · NGC 4501
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° | 44° | 60° |
| +55° | 49° | 64° |
| +45° | 59° | 69° |
| +30° | 74° | 73° |
| 0° | 76° | 76° |
| −35° | 41° | 72° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 04:46 |
| February | 02:39 |
| March | 00:54 |
| April | 23:01 |
| May | 21:06 |
| June | 19:00 |
| July | 16:56 |
| August | 14:55 |
| September | 13:02 |
| October | 11:13 |
| November | 09:13 |
| December | 07:04 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.