Messier 90, also cataloged as NGC 4569, is a large spiral galaxy in Virgo that presents an inviting target for astrophotographers thanks to its bright apparent magnitude of 9.54 mag. Spanning an angular size of 9.6′ × 3.9′, it offers a generous, elongated shape that frames beautifully in mid-to-long focal length setups. Its surface brightness of 22.1112 mag/arcsec² means the delicate outer disk rewards patient integration and dark skies to draw out subtle detail. As a member of the rich Virgo Cluster region, it is a favorite for wide-field mosaics that capture neighboring galaxies alongside it.
Names and Catalog numbers
- M 90 (Messier 90)
- NGC 4569
- UGC 7786
- PGC 42089
- Arp 76
Position and the cosmic neighborhood
Located at right ascension 12h 36m 49.8s and declination +13° 09′ 46.5″, Messier 90 (NGC 4569) sits within the densely populated heart of the Virgo galaxy cluster. This crowded stretch of sky makes it a superb anchor for imagers assembling galaxy-rich fields, since numerous fellow cluster members drift into the same frame with a suitably wide field of view. Careful framing and accurate polar alignment help isolate this elegant spiral against the faint scattering of background galaxies that fill this corner of Virgo.
Nice to Know
- Messier 90 is classified as a Seyfert galaxy, hosting an unusually active core that hints at energetic processes hidden within its bright center.
- It carries the peculiar-galaxy designation Arp 76, marking it as a noteworthy object for those chasing interesting or distorted structures.
- With a physical diameter of about 82,000 light-years, it is a substantial spiral that fills the frame nicely at longer focal lengths.
- Its radial velocity of -199 km/s (redshift z = -0.000663572) is negative, meaning it is one of the relatively rare galaxies approaching us rather than receding.
Brightness, distance and size
The object has an apparent magnitude of 9.5 mag, it lies about 29.4 million light-years from Earth and spans roughly 82,000 light-years across. On the sky it appears about 9.6′ × 3.9′ in size.
