GALAXIES A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z           HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site Sunflower Galaxy (M63, NGC 5055) The Sunflower Galaxy. Image courtesy Richard Crisp A spiral galaxy (type Sb or Sc) in Canes Venatici that appears to lie in the M51 Group dominated by the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51); it was discovered in 1779 by Pierre Méchain. The Sunflower's spiral arms show up as a grainy background, which brightens slowly at first, going in from the periphery, but then rapidly to the nuclear region. It hosted a Type I supernova (1971I), first seen on May 25, 1971, which reached magnitude 11.8. Visual magnitude 8.6 Apparent size 10' × 6' Distance ~37,000,000 light-years Position R.A. 13h 15.8m, Dec. +42h 2m Related categories    • GALAXIES    • MESSIER CATALOGUE Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP