What is M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736)
M94, also known as The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736), is a captivating spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. Its distinctive appearance and bright nucleus contribute to its popular nickname.
What Type of Galaxy is M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736)
M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) is classified as a spiral galaxy. This classification is based on its spiral arms and central bulge, which are characteristic features of spiral galaxies.
How old is M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736)
Determining the exact age of M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) is challenging, but it is estimated to be approximately around 13 million years. This estimate involves studying the galaxy's stellar populations and its history of star formation.
M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) Size in Light Years
The size of M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) extends across an area of approximately about 50,000 light-years.
M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
The diameter of M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) is approximately about 50,000 light-years. Compared to the Milky Way, M94 is smaller, as the Milky Way has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years.
M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) Mass in Solar Masses
Estimates suggest that the mass of M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) is approximately about 30 billion solar masses. The galaxy's mass influences its gravitational interactions and internal dynamics.
M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) Location
M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) resides in the constellation Canes Venatici. Its celestial coordinates are approximately right ascension 12h 50m 53s and declination +41° 07' 13". It is part of the M94 Group, a small galaxy group within the Virgo Supercluster.
10 Interesting Fun Facts about M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736)
- M94's nickname, "The Cat's Eye," comes from its bright nucleus surrounded by a prominent ring, resembling a feline's eye.
- It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781 and later added to Charles Messier's catalog.
- The galaxy's ring structure is a result of a resonance phenomenon involving its spiral arms.
- M94 exhibits an inner region of older stars and an outer ring with active star formation.
- The galaxy's proximity allows detailed observations, aiding astronomers in studying its structure.
- Observations with various telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, contribute to our understanding of M94's features.
- M94 is relatively isolated, with fewer interactions with neighboring galaxies compared to other systems.
- The Cat's Eye Galaxy serves as a fascinating subject for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.
- Its ring structure is composed of young, bright stars, giving it a distinct appearance.
- M94's location in the M94 Group provides insights into the dynamics of galaxy groups within the larger cosmic structure.
M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
M94 The Cat's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4736) is situated at an approximate distance of about 16 million light-years from Earth. Converting this distance, it is approximately 9.35e+19 miles (1.50e+20 km) away. The galaxy's proximity allows astronomers to study its intricate details and unravel the mysteries of its formation and evolution.