[M99, NOAO]

This gorgeous color CCD image shows M99, a type Sc spiral galaxy in the constellation Coma Berenices, and a prominent member of the Virgo Cluster of Galaxies. Its face-on orientation fully reveals its spiral arms, and this picture has been `flattened' (in brightness) to show arm structure both near the nucleus and into the outer regions of the galaxy (most representations either saturate the center or do not go deep enough to see the edges). This picture was taken in February 1996 at the 0.9-m telescope of Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Credit: AURA/NOAO/NSF

  • More information on this image (N.A. Sharp, NOAO)
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    [M99, A. Block/AOP/KPNO VC]

    Virgo cluster spiral M99, as photographed by Adam Block of the Advanced Observing Program, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) Visitor Center, with their Meade 16-inch LX200 telescope operating at f/6.3 and SBIG ST8E CCD camera with color filter wheel. This is a composite of 4 CCD exposures: L, Luminance = 40 min; R, Red = 10 min; G, Green = 10 min; and B, Blue = 20 min. Note the obvious disturbations in the appearance of this galaxy, caused by gravitational interactioons with its many neighbors in the Virgo cluster, as well as the vivid colors displayed by this galaxy: A yellowish central region, composed of older stellar population II, and spiral arms hosting reddish-pinkish diffuse nebulae which are star-forming regions, as well as blueish clusters and associations of hot young population I stars, miced up with dark structures of dust.
    Credit: Adam Block/AURA/NOAO/NSF

  • Adam Block's M99 page with more info on this image
  • More images from the Advanced Observer Program

  • Amateur images of M99

    Hartmut Frommert
    Christine Kronberg
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    Last Modification: 24 Nov 2000