The Sombrero Galaxy M104
| The Sombrero Galaxy is a small spiral galaxy located on the border of the constellations Virgo and Corvus. It was initially discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1781 but given the designation of M104 by Charles Messier. Also seen in this image are two small asterisms. Located in the center of the image is the asterism known as 'The Jaws' and lower right is the 'The Stargate.' The diffraction spikes were added during processing and are not part of the original image. |
| Telescope: Astro-Physics 160mm EDF f7.5 @ f7.7 | Designation: M104 or NGC 4594 |
Mount: Astro-Physics AP1200GTO |
Constellation: Virgo and Corvus |
| Camera: Apogee U16M with Gen II Astrodon Filters | Distance: Approx 30 Million Light Years |
| Guiding: SBIG ST402 via Mini Borg 60mm | Type: Spiral Galaxy |
| Exposure: 300 mins Luminance, 90 min each RGB | Position: R.A. 12 hr 38 min , Dec -110 47' |
| Processed using CCDStack, PhotoShop CS3 | Date: March and April 2009 |
| Acquisition: CCDAutopilot/CCDSoft/The Sky 6/M1OASYS | Location: Deerlick Astronomy Village |