Messier 60 is one of the largest elliptical galaxies in the Virgo Cluster and stands out for its bright, round core and smooth halo. Discovered by Johann Gottfried Koehler in 1779 and added to Messier’s catalog shortly after, it is often imaged together with its close spiral companion NGC 4647. The galaxy’s luminous core and extended envelope are easily captured in medium-sized telescopes, while deep exposures reveal faint features and neighboring galaxies. Astrophotographers appreciate M60 for its role in galaxy group compositions and its impressive presence in the rich Virgo Cluster region.
Names and Catalog numbers
- Messier 60
- M60
- NGC 4649
- UGC 7898
- PGC 42831
Position and the cosmic neighborhood
Messier 60 is situated in the eastern part of the Virgo Cluster, near the border with the constellation Coma Berenices, and lies between the stars Vindemiatrix (Epsilon Virginis) and Denebola (Beta Leonis). The galaxy is closely paired with the spiral galaxy NGC 4647, forming an attractive duo for astrophotography. The surrounding field is densely populated with other Virgo Cluster galaxies, including M59 and NGC 4638, making this region ideal for wide-field galaxy group imaging. The cosmic neighborhood is one of the richest areas in the sky for extragalactic deep-sky targets.
Nice to Know
- M60 is among the most massive galaxies in the Virgo Cluster and contains a supermassive black hole at its center.
- The galaxy is often photographed together with NGC 4647, which is in close apparent proximity and may be interacting gravitationally.
- M60 has hosted at least two recorded supernovae: SN 1961H and SN 2004W.
- Astrophotographers value M60 for its bright core, smooth halo, and the opportunity to capture multiple galaxies in a single frame.
Brightnes, distance and size
Messier 60 has an apparent magnitude of about 8.8, making it visible in small to medium telescopes under dark skies, with its bright core and round shape easily discernible. The galaxy is about 55 million light-years from Earth and spans roughly 120,000 light-years in diameter. Its apparent size is approximately 7.6 by 6.2 arcminutes, making it a prominent and rewarding target for astrophotography, especially when framed with its companion NGC 4647 and other Virgo Cluster members.
