Messier 58, also cataloged as NGC 4579, is a barred spiral galaxy shining at magnitude 9.66, making it one of the brighter members of the Virgo Cluster and a rewarding target for deep-sky imagers. Its angular size of 5.7′ × 4.5′ presents a compact but well-defined disk that responds well to moderate focal lengths, where the central bar and surrounding spiral structure begin to emerge with sufficient integration time. With a surface brightness of 21.8137 mag/arcsec², capturing the fainter arms and outer disk detail benefits from dark skies and generous exposure. Its position amid the densely populated Virgo region makes it an excellent anchor for wide-field mosaics that gather multiple galaxies in a single frame.
Names and Catalog numbers
- M 58 (Messier 58)
- NGC 4579
- UGC 7796
- PGC 42168
Position and the cosmic neighborhood
Messier 58 lies in the constellation Virgo at a right ascension of 12h 37m 43.6s and a declination of +11° 49′ 05″, placing it deep within the sprawling Virgo Cluster of galaxies. This crowded stretch of sky is a treasure trove for astrophotographers, as numerous other galaxies fall within easy reach of the same imaging field, encouraging multi-target compositions. At roughly 54.5 million light-years distant, Messier 58 (NGC 4579) sits among the notable spiral and elliptical members of this rich cluster, offering context and companionship in wide-field views. Its relatively northern declination keeps it comfortably placed for observers across both hemispheres during the spring galaxy season.
Nice to Know
- Messier 58 (NGC 4579) is one of the brightest barred spiral galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, glowing at magnitude 9.66.
- Its physical diameter spans roughly 90,400 light-years, comparable in scale to many large spiral galaxies.
- The galaxy shows a measured radial velocity of 1515 km/s, consistent with its membership in the receding Virgo Cluster.
- Cataloged under multiple designations including M 58, NGC 4579, PGC 42168, and UGC 7796, it is a well-documented favorite among deep-sky imagers.
Brightness, distance and size
The object has an apparent magnitude of 9.7 mag, it lies about 54.5 million light-years from Earth and spans roughly 90,400 light-years across. On the sky it appears about 5.7′ × 4.5′ in size.
