M94 · galaxy

Cat's Eye Galaxy

Messier 94 is a spiral galaxy in the mid-northern constellation Canes Venatici.

RA12h 50m 53sDec+41° 07' 13"

Image: NASA / GSFC. Source: GSFC via images.nasa.gov.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M94
All designations: M94 · NGC 4736 · Cat's Eye Galaxy
Object type: Galaxy
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Best viewing: Spring

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 12h 50m 53s
Declination (J2000): +41° 07' 13"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —
Redshift (z): 0.001027

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Messier 94 is a spiral galaxy in the mid-northern constellation Canes Venatici. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781, and catalogued by Charles Messier two days later. Although some references describe M94 as a barred spiral galaxy, the "bar" structure appears to be more oval-shaped. The galaxy has two ring structures.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0