Galaxy M 64 "Black Eye"

M 64, or the Black Eye Galaxy, is a galaxy in the constellation Coma Berenices. Its distinctive feature is its origin from two merged galaxies with opposite directions of rotation. As a result, the gas and dust disk in the inner region rotates in the opposite direction relative to its outer parts.

M 64 is a popular target for amateur observations. The best time to observe it is from late winter to early summer. It is not difficult to locate: on the line between α and γ Comae Berenices (closer to α), on a good night, the faint star 35 Com (magnitude 5) is barely visible. The "Black Eye" should be sought about one degree east-northeast of it. In an optical finder scope or binoculars, the galaxy does not stand out immediately. In an amateur telescope, its elongated elliptical shape and bright, nearly star-like core are initially noticeable. On a good night (without light pollution), with a telescope aperture of 200 mm or more, careful observation near the core reveals the feature that gives this object its name.

Integration: 56 minutes