Messier 63 (M 63)

Introduction | Map | My Best Own Photos | Own Observations | References || Appendix: My Own Photos

On this page I collect my observations of the spiral galaxy M 63 (Sunflower Galaxy, NGC 5055) in the constellation Canes Venatici.

Introduction

The spiral galaxy M 63 (Sunflower Galaxy) in the constellation Canes Venatici.

According to Karkoschka, the spiral galaxy M 63 (Sunflower Galaxy) in the constellation Canes Venatici has a distinct core, an oval halo, but the spiral arms are unobservable. In the eVscope, however, I can see hints of the spiral arms (not at full moon).

M 63 (Sunflower Galaxy, NGC 5055)
Size: 4' x 2.5' (Stoyan)
Distance: 30 million light years (Stoyan)
Rating: * (Stoyan)

Map

M 63 (Sunflower Galaxy) (selected) in constellation Canes Venatici and its surround (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

My Best Own Photos

eVscope

M 63 - Mar 23, 2020		M 63 - Mar 23, 2020, processed
M 63 - Apr 21, 2020		M 63 - Apr 21, 2020, processed
M 63 - May 5, 2020		M 63 - Mar 6, 2021		M 63 - Mar 6, 2021
M 63 - May 5, 2020, photo on top processed		M 63 - Mar 6, 2021, photo on top processed		M 63 - Mar 6, 2021, photo on top processed

Vespera Pro

M 63, May 13, 2024 - 2000p (180 frames = 1800s)		M 63, May 13, 2024 - section, 2000p (180 frames = 1800s)
M 63, May 13, 2024 - section, 2000p (180 frames = 1800s), processed (PSE)		M 63, May 13, 2024 - section, 2000p (180 frames = 1800s), additionally denoised (DN)

Own Observations

Observations March to May 2020

• March 15, 18, and 23, 2020 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: eVscope): M 63 photographed.
• April 8, 2020 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: eVscope): M 63 photographed at full moon.
• April 21, 2020 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: eVscope): M 63 photographed.
• May 5, 2020 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: eVscope): M 63 photographed at nearly full moon; new rectangular image format without overlay.
• May 24, 2020 (Erkerode: eVscope): M 63 photographed (clouds?) (r.f., n.o.)

Observations March 2021

• March 6, 2021 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: eVscope): M 63 photographed (r.f., n.o.), exposed manually

Observations June 2021

• June 10, 2021 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: eVscope): M 63photographed (n.o., r.f.), new image size and processing.

Observations May 2024

• May 13, 2024 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: Vespera Pro): M 63 photographed

References

• Messier Catalogue - Messier 63: messier.seds.org/m/m063.html
• Messier 63 (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_63

On this Site

• Unistellar eVscope Information
• Vaonis Vespera Pro - Information

Appendix: My Own Photos

eVscope

M 63 - Mar 15, 2020		M 63 - Mar 15, 2020		M 63 - Mar 18, 2020, processed
M 63 - Mar 23, 2020		M 63 - Mar 23, 2020, processed		M 63 - Apr 8, 2020, full moon, processed
M 63 - Apr 21, 2020		M 63 - Apr 21, 2020, processed
M 63 - May 5, 2020		M 63 - May 5, 2020, processed
M 63 - May 5, 2020		M 63 - May 24, 2020, clouds?		M 63 - May 24, 2020, clouds?
M 63 - May 5, 2020, photo on top processed		M 63 - May 24, 2020, photo on top processed		M 63 - May 24, 2020, photo on top processed
M 63 - Mar 6, 2021		M 63 - Mar 6, 2021		M 63 - Jun 10, 2021
M 63 - Mar 6, 2021, photo on top processed		M 63 - Mar 6, 2021, photo on top processed		M 63 - Jun 10, 2021, photo on top processed

Vespera Pro

M 63, May 13, 2024 - 2000p (180 frames = 1800s)		M 63, May 13, 2024 - section, 2000p (180 frames = 1800s)
M 63, May 13, 2024 - section, 2000p (180 frames = 1800s), processed (PSE)		M 63, May 13, 2024 - section, 2000p (180 frames = 1800s), additionally denoised (DN)