M94 (NGC4736) – The Eye of the Crocodile

 Posted: May 14th, 2026
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Technical Info
Telescope/Lens: Sky-Watcher 150/750
Camera: SvBony SV705C
Guide Scope: 50|180
Guide Camera: SV105
Exposure:
69 x 90" ISO/Gain: 260 - UV/IR Cut
Orange, Bortle 6 zone:
 Cheremhovo, Russia
 May 9th, 2026
1 h 44 m
21
Resolution: 3347x2102 px
Scale: 29383 KB
M94 (NGC 4736), also known as the "Crocodile Eye" or "Cat's Eye" galaxy, is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici.

Some characteristics:
It is located approximately 16 million light-years from Earth.
It is one of the brightest galaxies in its group.
It belongs to the class of barred spiral galaxies, but its structure is somewhat unusual.
It has a bright inner ring composed of young, hot stars that are actively forming in this region.
This ring gives the galaxy a distinctive eye-like appearance, which is the reason for its name.
The outer regions of the galaxy show more quiescent star formation processes, and its spiral arms extend far into space.
Some facts about its discovery: the galaxy was discovered by French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781 and cataloged by Charles Messier two days later.
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