M63 - Sunflower Galaxy
M63, also known as the Sunflower Galaxy, is a flocculent spiral galaxy with a bright central region and patchy, fragmentary spiral arms that resemble a sunflower.
Distance: 27 million light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 8.54
Apparent Size: 12' × 8'
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Morphology: SA(rs)cd (flocculent spiral)
Key Features:
- Flocculent (patchy) spiral structure
- Bright central bulge
- Multiple spiral arm fragments
- Part of M51 group
- Supernova observed in 1971
Best Imaging Season: March - June
Optimal Integration: 10+ hours
