M64

The Black Eye Galaxy is a spiral galaxy in Coma Berenices, about 24 million light-years from Earth. It is famous for the spectacular dark band of dust in front of the galaxy's bright nucleus, giving it the appearance of a black eye. M64 has an unusual internal structure: the outer gas disk rotates in the opposite direction to the inner disk, likely the result of a past merger.

Located about 1 degree east-northeast of 35 Comae Berenices. In a 4-inch telescope the galaxy appears as a bright oval with a concentrated core. The dark dust band (the 'black eye') becomes visible in 6-inch or larger telescopes on one side of the nucleus. An 8-inch under good conditions shows it clearly. The galaxy is relatively bright and rewarding for its unique appearance. Best observed from March through July.

Discovered by Edward Pigott on March 23, 1779 — just 12 days before Johann Elert Bode independently found it. Charles Messier cataloged it on March 1, 1780. Its dark band was noted by William Herschel, leading to the 'Black Eye' nickname.