M96
spiral galaxy · Leo · 9.2ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — spiral galaxy in Leo.
Notable facts
About 1/4 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M96 in?
M96 lies in Leo.
Is M96 visible to the naked eye?
9.2ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe M96?
Best observed in March.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 10h 47m · +11° 49′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Leo
- How to observe
- 9.2ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 8×5′
- Designation
- M96 · NGC 3368
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° | 42° | 66° |
| +55° | 47° | 69° |
| +45° | 57° | 73° |
| +30° | 72° | 76° |
| 0° | 78° | 78° |
| −35° | 43° | 76° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 03:01 |
| February | 00:54 |
| March | 23:09 |
| April | 21:15 |
| May | 19:21 |
| June | 17:15 |
| July | 15:11 |
| August | 13:10 |
| September | 11:17 |
| October | 09:28 |
| November | 07:27 |
| December | 05:19 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.