M104 - Sombrero Galaxy
The Sombrero Galaxy is an edge-on spiral galaxy with a bright nucleus, large central bulge, and prominent dust lane, giving it the appearance of a Mexican hat.
Distance: 29.3 million light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 8.00
Apparent Size: 9' × 4'
Constellation: Virgo
Morphology: SA(s)a (spiral with large bulge)
Key Features:
- Iconic edge-on appearance with dust lane
- Large central bulge (one of largest known)
- ~2,000 globular clusters
- Central supermassive black hole (1 billion solar masses)
- Prominent dust lane across entire disk
Best Imaging Season: March - July
Optimal Integration: 6+ hours
