NGC 3623 & NGC 3627

M65 Also Known as: NGC 3623

M66 Also Known as: NGC 3627

Both Object Type: Spiral Galaxy

Constellation: Leo

M65 Distance from Earth: 35 million light years

M66 Distance from Earth: 36 million light years

M65 Apparent Magnitude: 10.25

M66 Apparent Magnitude: 8.9

M65 Coordinates: RA 11H 18M 55.9S DEC 13 deg 05 min 55.9 sec

M66 Coordinates: RA 11H 20M 15S DEC 12 deg 59 min 30 sec

M65 Actual Size:: 90,000 light years in diameter... M66 Actual Size:: 95,000 light years in diameter.

M65 Apparent Dimensions:: 1.709 arc-minutes x 2.454 arc-minutes ... M66 Apparent Dimensions:: 9.1 arc-minutes x 4.2 arc-minutes

Discovered by: M65 & M66 were discovered by Charles Messier in 1780.

Description: M65 is an intermediate spiral galaxy that forms the Leo Triplet with nearby M66 and NGC 3628. It is one of the most popular targets among amateur astronomers since it can be seen in the same field of view as M66 and NGC 3628. The Leo Triplet, also known as the M66 Galaxy Group, is a small grouping of galaxies that are known to be gravitationally interacting with each other. M65 is least impacted by the interactions. It has tightly wound spiral arms, a conspicuous central lens and dust lane appearing as a normal spiral galaxy. It actually contains little dust and gas even though its spiral arms some evidence of star forming activity. It is moving away from us at 807 km/s. Due to its high surface brightness, it is visible even in small binoculars and appears as an oval shaped patch.

See the M65 description for more information.
Small telescopes reveal the structure with bright central core surrounded by a thin disk of light. Larger telescopes reveal the dust lanes.

The best time to observe M65 is in the spring months.

Click Below Image(s) for Full Size:

M66 is the largest and brightest member of the Leo Triplet of galaxies, also known as the M66 Group. It is an intermediate spiral galaxy containing 200 billion stars. It can be seen in the same field as M65 and NGC 3628, the other members of the Leo Triplet. M66 is notable for its outstanding dark dust lanes and bright starburst regions along the spiral arms. The galaxy is moving away at 727 km/s. Gravitational interaction with the nearby galaxies has impacted M66 resulting in extremely high central mass concentration, asymmetrical spiral arms, and clumps of interstellar clouds. The result is unusual structure of spiral arms and dust lanes. M66 is visible even with a small binocular which will reveal a small fuzzy patch.

See the M66 description for more information.
Small telescopes show the oval shape of the galaxy and the bright core. Medium sized telescopes reveal the bright core more clearly and 10 inch scope will show hints of the spiral arms.

The best time to observe M66 is March-May.

Platesolve

NGC 3623 & NGC 3627 Spiral Galaxies.

Imaging Details
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