• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Nebulae
  • Galaxies
  • Solar System
  • Star Clusters

Desert Astro

  • Equipment
  • Observatory
  • Techniques
  • Links

M66

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

Copyright © 2023 · Log in