Messier 63 or M63, also known as NGC 5055 or the seldom-used Sunflower Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici with approximately 400 billion stars. M63 was first discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain, then later verified by his colleague Charles Messieron June 14, 1779. The galaxy became listed as object 63 in the Messier Catalogue. In the mid-19th century, Anglo-Irish astronomer Lord Rosse identified spiral structures within the galaxy, making this one of the first galaxies in which such structure was identified. (Source: Wikipedia)
Technical Details
Dates: 1/3/2023, 2/3/2023
Location: Uckerath, Germany
Imaging Telescope: 8″ GSO f/4 (Carbon Tube)
Imaging Camera: ASI294 MC
Filter: Baader Planetarium UHC-S
Mount: Skywatcher EQ-6
Guiding Telescope: TSO OAG
Guiding Camera: QHY 5L-II
Integration: 180 x 3 min (Gain: 120)
Software: NINA, PhD2, PixInsight
Plate Solution
