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]
Planewave CDK17 F4.5, ZWO ASI2600MC Duo, Paramount MEII mount with absolute encoders. Unguided 2.3 hour image At Desert Astro Observatory in Sierra Vista Dark skies. 4/26/25