M 104 - Sombrero Galaxy

M104, the Sombrero Galaxy (NGC 4594), is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo. It lies about 29 million light-years from Earth and has a diameter of roughly 50,000 to 60,000 light-years.

The galaxy has an exceptionally large, bright core and tightly wound spiral arms that are difficult to distinguish because we view the galaxy almost edge-on, making the prominent, dark, and well-defined dust lane particularly striking. This dust lane gives the galaxy its characteristic appearance, reminiscent of a Mexican sombrero, which is the origin of its name.

The prominent bulge at the galaxy’s center is likely dominated by a supermassive black hole. Also remarkable is the large population of globular clusters surrounding M104.

Shooting Data