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M88

NGC 4501

Galaxy Excellent (65/100)

Spiral

M88 Galaxy Coma Berenices Visible Level 4 Large telescope (10"+) - Dark skies recommended
Credit: Ngc1535. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 9.6
Angular Size 8.7′ × 4.4′
Position Angle 138°
Distance 59000000 ly
Galaxy Type Spiral (SA(rs)b)
Galaxy [Distance: 59000000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 12h 31m 59.2s
Dec +14° 25' 14.0"
Constellation Coma Berenices
Catalog M88

Visibility

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About M88

Description

M88 is a bright spiral galaxy in Coma Berenices, about 47 million light-years from Earth. It is a near-perfect multiple-arm spiral seen at a moderate inclination (about 30 degrees from edge-on), giving it a beautifully elongated appearance. The galaxy spans about 130,000 light-years and is one of the brighter members of the Virgo Cluster.

Observing Tips

Located about 1 degree north-northwest of M91 in the Virgo Cluster. In a telescope it appears as a bright, elongated oval with a well-defined nucleus. The spiral arms require dark skies and 8-inch or larger aperture to detect. M88 is one of the easier Virgo galaxies to appreciate because its tilted orientation gives it a nice shape. Best observed from March through June.

History

Discovered by Charles Messier on March 18, 1781. It is classified as a Seyfert 2 galaxy, indicating an active but obscured nucleus.

Fun Facts

M88 is approaching the center of the Virgo Cluster at high speed and will likely make its closest approach in about 200-300 million years. It is one of the few Virgo galaxies with a well-defined multi-arm spiral pattern clearly visible in photographs.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: Ngc1535. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: Ngc1535. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Feb 28, 2026