M96
NGC 3368
Spiral
Properties
Position & Identifiers
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About M96
Description
M96 is a spiral galaxy in Leo and the brightest member of the Leo I Group (M96 Group), about 31 million light-years from Earth. The galaxy has an asymmetric, slightly displaced nucleus and dust lanes, likely the result of gravitational interactions with its neighbors. M96 spans about 66,000 light-years.
Observing Tips
Located about 1 degree east of M95 and just south of M105, forming a nice galaxy trio. In a telescope it appears as a bright, oval glow with a well-defined nucleus. Larger apertures reveal an asymmetric dust lane structure. All three galaxies (M95, M96, M105) can be viewed in a wide-field eyepiece. Best observed from February through May.
History
Discovered by Pierre Mechain on March 20, 1781. Charles Messier cataloged it four days later. M96 is the largest and brightest member of the galaxy group bearing its name, which contains at least 24 galaxies.
Fun Facts
M96 was used as a target for the Hubble Space Telescope Key Project, which measured Cepheid variable stars in the galaxy to determine its distance and calibrate the cosmic distance scale. The galaxy's asymmetric appearance — its displaced nucleus and lopsided arms — is attributed to tidal interactions with neighboring galaxies in the Leo I Group.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: ESO/Oleg Maliy. License: CC BY 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Feb 28, 2026