Menu

M58

NGC 4579

Galaxy Excellent (62/100)

Spiral

NGC 4579 Galaxy Vir Visible Level 3 Medium telescope (6-8") - Dark skies recommended
Star Map
Add to List Add to Plan Back to Catalog

Properties

Magnitude 9.8
Angular Size 5.0′ × 3.8′
Position Angle 90°
Galaxy Type Spiral (SABb)
B, L, iR, vmbM, r; = M58

Position & Identifiers

RA 12h 37m 42.0s
Dec +11° 49' 00.0"
Constellation Vir
Catalog NGC 4579

Visibility

Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.

Eyepiece View

200x TFOV: 0.2° Lim. mag: 14.2
N E

M58 · 5.0′×3.8′ · N up, E left

Surface Brightness & Visibility

Morphology Decoder

Redshift

Survey Image

Loading survey image…

About M58

Description

M58 is a barred spiral galaxy in Virgo, about 62 million light-years from Earth. It is one of the brightest barred spirals in the Virgo Cluster and one of only four barred spirals in the Messier catalog. The galaxy spans about 90,000 light-years and has an active galactic nucleus showing low-level Seyfert characteristics.

Observing Tips

Located in the southern Virgo Cluster, about 1 degree west of M59 and M60. In a telescope it appears as a bright, oval glow with a prominent central bulge. The bar and spiral structure require large apertures (12 inches+) and dark skies to detect visually. The galaxy sits in a rich field — M59 and M60 are nearby, and many fainter galaxies populate the area. Best observed from March through June.

History

Discovered by Charles Messier on April 15, 1779. Two supernovae have been observed in M58: SN 1988A (Type II) and SN 1989M (Type Ia).

Fun Facts

M58 is one of only four barred spiral galaxies in the Messier catalog (along with M91, M95, and M109). Its active galactic nucleus classifies it as a low-ionization nuclear emission-line region (LINER), suggesting a moderately active supermassive black hole at its center.