Sombrero Galaxy M104

M104 - The Sombrero Galaxy: Type, Age, Size, Diameter, Mass, Location, Facts, Distance from Earth

The Sombrero Galaxy: M104

The Sombrero Galaxy (also known as Messier 104, M104 or NGC 4594) is a magnificent galaxy located approximately 28 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Virgo. It is also known as Messier 104, and it was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781. It is a beautiful spiral galaxy that has a prominent bulge and a distinct disk, which is surrounded by a halo of dust that gives it a sombrero-like appearance.

In this blog post, we will explore the history, features, and significance of the Sombrero Galaxy in detail. We will also discuss the latest research and discoveries related to this stunning galaxy.

What Type of Galaxy is M104 The Sombrero Galaxy

M104 The Sombrero Galaxy is classified as a spiral galaxy. It is recognized for its prominent central bulge and a wide, flat disk resembling the brim of a sombrero hat.

How old is M104 The Sombrero Galaxy

Determining the exact age of M104 The Sombrero Galaxy is challenging, but it is estimated to be approximately around 8 to 10 billion years. Age estimation involves studying the galaxy's stellar populations and the history of star formation, providing insights into its cosmic age.

M104 The Sombrero Galaxy Size in Light Years

The size of M104 The Sombrero Galaxy encompasses an expansive region of approximately about 50,000 to 60,000 light-years.

M104 The Sombrero Galaxy Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way

The diameter of M104 The Sombrero Galaxy is approximately about 50,000 to 60,000 light-years. Compared to the Milky Way, M104 is of similar size, making it a galaxy of considerable dimensions.

M104 The Sombrero Galaxy Mass in Solar Masses

Estimates suggest that the mass of M104 The Sombrero Galaxy is approximately a few hundred billion solar masses. Galaxy mass influences gravitational interactions and internal processes, and M104's mass places it within the range of typical spiral galaxies.

M104 The Sombrero Galaxy Location

M104 The Sombrero Galaxy is located in the constellation Virgo. Positioned in the northern celestial hemisphere, Virgo is home to various celestial objects, and The Sombrero Galaxy stands out as a notable member. Its location provides astronomers with an accessible target for observation and study.

10 Interesting Fun Facts about M104 The Sombrero Galaxy

  1. The Sombrero Galaxy's distinctive appearance is due to its bright central bulge and a prominent dark dust lane in the disk.
  2. It was discovered by French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781 and later added to Charles Messier's catalog.
  3. The galaxy's central bulge is thought to host a supermassive black hole, contributing to its unique features.
  4. The Sombrero Galaxy is part of the Virgo Cluster, a rich collection of galaxies in the Virgo constellation.
  5. Extensive observations in various wavelengths, including radio and infrared, reveal details of its structure and stellar populations.
  6. The galaxy's sombrero-like appearance is accentuated by the presence of a spherical halo of older stars.
  7. The Sombrero Galaxy is a popular target for amateur astronomers due to its striking appearance.
  8. It is located relatively close to the plane of the Milky Way, making it observable from Earth's vantage point.
  9. The dark dust lane in the disk is composed of cold molecular gas and obscures the light from stars behind it.
  10. Studies of M104 contribute to our understanding of the formation and evolution of spiral galaxies.

M104 The Sombrero Galaxy Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km

M104 The Sombrero Galaxy is situated at an approximate distance of about 29 million light-years from Earth. Converting this distance, it is approximately 1.7e+17 miles (2.74e+17 km) away. This relatively moderate distance allows astronomers to study its detailed features and properties, contributing to our understanding of spiral galaxies within the Virgo Cluster.

Sombrero Galaxy History

The Sombrero Galaxy was first observed by Pierre Méchain in 1781. However, it was Charles Messier who cataloged it in his famous catalog of celestial objects. Messier initially mistook it for a nebula, but later observations by William Herschel revealed that it was a galaxy.

The Sombrero Galaxy has been the subject of many studies and observations over the years. It was first photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995, and since then, it has been imaged by many other telescopes, including the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Spitzer Space Telescope.

Sombrero Galaxy History

Sombrero Galaxy Features

The Sombrero Galaxy is a spiral galaxy that has a prominent bulge and a distinct disk. The bulge is made up of old stars, while the disk contains younger stars and gas clouds. The galaxy's disk is surrounded by a halo of dust that gives it its distinctive sombrero-like appearance.

The Sombrero Galaxy has a diameter of approximately 50,000 light-years, which makes it slightly larger than the Milky Way Galaxy. It also has a mass of approximately 800 billion times that of the sun.

One of the most interesting features of the Sombrero Galaxy is its supermassive black hole, which has a mass of approximately 1 billion times that of the sun. This black hole is located at the center of the galaxy and is responsible for the galaxy's radio emission.

Sombrero Galaxy Features

Sombrero Galaxy Distance from Earth

The Sombrero Galaxy is located approximately 28 million light-years away from Earth. This means that the light we see from the galaxy today began its journey towards us 28 million years ago. In terms of astronomical distances, this is relatively close, but still far beyond the reach of current space exploration technology.

Where is the Sombrero Galaxy Located?

The Sombrero Galaxy is located in the constellation Virgo and can be seen with a telescope or binoculars on a clear night. Its location in the sky is approximately 11.5 degrees south of the celestial equator and can be found near the bright star Spica. It is also located in the Virgo Cluster, which is a group of galaxies that contains approximately 1,300 members.

Sombrero Galaxy Location

Sombrero Galaxy Size

The Sombrero Galaxy has a diameter of approximately 50,000 light-years, which is slightly larger than the Milky Way galaxy. Its central bulge is approximately 16,000 light-years in diameter, and its disk is approximately 60,000 light-years in diameter. It has an estimated mass of approximately 800 billion times that of the sun.

Sombrero Galaxy Shape

The Sombrero Galaxy is a beautiful spiral galaxy that has a prominent central bulge and a distinct disk. Its disk is surrounded by a halo of dust, which gives it its characteristic sombrero-like appearance. The galaxy's disk contains younger stars and gas clouds, while the bulge is made up of older stars.

Sombrero Galaxy Shape

Sombrero Galaxy Black Hole

The Sombrero Galaxy is home to a supermassive black hole at its center, which has a mass of approximately 1 billion times that of the sun. This black hole is responsible for the galaxy's radio emission and is also a subject of intense study by astronomers. By studying the behavior of supermassive black holes, astronomers can learn more about the formation and evolution of galaxies.

Sombrero Galaxy Significance

The Sombrero Galaxy is an important object of study for astronomers because it provides insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies. It is also a good example of a galaxy with a prominent bulge and a disk, which makes it useful for studying the structure of galaxies.

In addition, the Sombrero Galaxy is an excellent example of a galaxy with a supermassive black hole. By studying the properties of the black hole, astronomers can learn more about the nature of black holes in general and their role in the formation and evolution of galaxies.

Sombrero Galaxy Significance

Sombrero Galaxy Research

The Sombrero Galaxy has been the subject of many studies and observations over the years. One recent study, published in 2021, used data from the Hubble Space Telescope to investigate the galaxy's central region. The study found that the central region of the galaxy contains a population of old stars that is more extensive than previously thought. This discovery has implications for our understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies.

Another recent study, published in 2020, used data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory to investigate the supermassive black hole at the center of the Sombrero Galaxy. The study found that the black hole is accreting matter at a high rate, which is producing intense X-ray emission. This discovery provides insights into the feeding habits of supermassive black holes and their role in the evolution of galaxies.

Sombrero Galaxy Facts:

  • The Sombrero Galaxy was first discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781, but was later cataloged by Charles Messier.
  • The Sombrero Galaxy is approximately 10 billion years old, making it one of the oldest galaxies in the universe.
  • The Sombrero Galaxy is one of the most massive galaxies in the nearby universe.
  • The Sombrero Galaxy has a prominent dust lane that is approximately 900 light-years wide and is thought to be the result of a collision with a smaller galaxy.
  • The Sombrero Galaxy has been imaged by many telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope.
  • The Sombrero Galaxy is a popular subject of study for astronomers, and new discoveries are being made about it all the time.

Sombrero Galaxy Facts:

Sombrero Galaxy

Here's a detailed table describing the Sombrero Galaxy:

Name Sombrero Galaxy
Other Names Messier 104, M104
Type Spiral Galaxy
Distance Approximately 28 million light-years
Location Constellation Virgo
Apparent Magnitude +8.0
Diameter Approximately 50,000 light-years
Central Bulge Diameter Approximately 16,000 light-years
Disk Diameter Approximately 60,000 light-years
Mass Approximately 800 billion times that of the sun
Shape Prominent central bulge, distinct disk, and surrounded by a halo of dust that gives it its characteristic sombrero-like appearance
Black Hole Supermassive black hole at the center with a mass of approximately 1 billion times that of the sun
Radio Emission Produced by the supermassive black hole
Age Approximately 10 billion years
Features Prominent dust lane approximately 900 light-years wide thought to be the result of a collision with a smaller galaxy
Discovery First observed by Pierre Méchain in 1781, cataloged by Charles Messier
Imaging Imaged by many telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope
Significance Important object of study for astronomers, provides insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies, and an excellent example of a galaxy with a supermassive black hole

Overall, the Sombrero Galaxy is a fascinating object of study for astronomers and a stunning example of a spiral galaxy with unique features and properties. Its location, size, shape, and black hole make it a popular subject of research, and new discoveries about it are constantly being made. As we continue to explore and study the universe, the Sombrero Galaxy will undoubtedly remain an essential object of fascination and discovery.

Sombrero Galaxy

Conclusion

The Sombrero Galaxy is a fascinating object of study for astronomers. It is a beautiful spiral galaxy that has a prominent bulge and a distinct disk, and it is surrounded by a halo of dust that gives it a sombrero-like appearance. The galaxy is also home to a supermassive black hole, which makes it an excellent object for studying the properties and behavior of black holes.

The Sombrero Galaxy has been the subject of many studies and observations over the years, and recent research has provided new insights into the galaxy's structure and evolution. As our technology and understanding of the universe continue to advance, we can expect to learn even more about this stunning galaxy and the role it plays in our understanding of the cosmos.

The Sombrero Galaxy is a true marvel of the universe. Its distinctive appearance and fascinating features make it a popular subject of study for astronomers, and it provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies. As we continue to explore and study the cosmos, the Sombrero Galaxy will undoubtedly remain an essential object of fascination and discovery.

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