images

The Sombrero galaxy (M104) in Virgo

by

A.Block/MLSC/Univ.of Az/Novapix

Reference

a-gax45-94009

Date

2008-06-24

The Sombrero, named after the broad-brimmed Mexican hat it superficially resembles, is probably the most famous galaxy in the sky. The spiral galaxy is between 28 to 40 million light years distant. Image taken with a 24-inch telescope, total exposure time: 3 hours 40 minutes.