M95

Discovered by Mechain in 1781 at the same time as M96, M95 is an impressive classic Barred Spiral Galaxy of type SBb. At magnitude 9.7 and of size 8.5' x 5', it is visible in most amateur 'scopes.  It forms a pair with M96, just 3/4 degree away and M105, a bright elliptical galaxy to the North. M95 also has a faint outer ring, just visible in the picture here. It is part of the Leo group of galaxies and lies some 28 million light years away. In 2012 a bright supernova SN2012aw was visible - click here for an image. 

Return to Homepage