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M63, also cataloged as NGC 5055, is a prominent spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. Due to its flowery appearance in photographs, it is also commonly referred to as the Sunflower galaxy. M63 shines with the light of over 10 billion suns and sports a disk approximately 86,000 light years in diameter. This magnitude 8.6 galaxy is located approximately 23.5 million light years away and was first discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1779.
The photo above was captured between 30 April and 2 May 2011 at the Chiefland Astronomy Village in Chiefland, Florida. Complete details regarding this image and more images of M63 at various resolutions can be found by clicking on the image above or by clicking here.
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