Messier 66 or M66, also known as NGC 3627, is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the southern, equatorial half of Leo. It was discovered by French astronomer Charles Messier[8] on 1 March 1780, who described it as “very long and very faint”.[9] This galaxy is a member of a small group of galaxies that includes M65 and NGC 3628, known as the Leo Triplet, or the M66 Group.[10] M65 and M66 make a popular pair for observers, being separated by only 20′.[9]
Backyard dome image with Meade 16″ LX200 @ f6.3 with ZWOASI071MC Pro, Optolong L-Pro filter, Stellarvue 80mm guide scope with SBIG ST-i guider. N.I.N.A. acquisition. Processed in Pixinsight EZ 4/7/2022, 4 hours exposure,Camera operated at -5C, 95 gain