M63 (NGC5055)

M63 was the discovered by Pierre M�chain on June 14, 1779. Charles Messier included it in his catalog on the same day.

M63, also known as the Sunflower galaxy, was listed by Lord Rosse as one of 14 "spiral nebulae" discovered to 1850. It is classified as of Hubble type Sb or Sc, displaying a patchy spiral pattern.

M63 is part of the M51 group.

Note the two straight dark bands on the lower right of the galaxy.  Note also the extended halo around the brighter part of the galaxy.

This image was acquired during a nearly full moon (98% illuminated) and with approximately 4-4 seeing/transparency.  It remains on the target list to redo under more favorable conditions.