M 63 - Sunflower Galaxy

M63, also known as the Sunflower Galaxy (NGC 5055), is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. Its distance from Earth is estimated at about 25 to 30 million light-years. M63 has a diameter of approximately 50,000 to 65,000 light-years.

The name “Sunflower Galaxy” comes from the numerous knotted regions in its spiral arms, which are star-forming areas and luminous gas clouds.

M63 is a member of the M51 galaxy group and shows, in deep exposures, an extended stellar stream that indicates the accretion of a dwarf galaxy in the past.

The central region of the galaxy is very bright and hosts an active nucleus, and along the spiral arms, numerous star-forming regions are visible.

Aufnahmedaten