Located within in the
constellation of Canes Venatici is M63, a spiral galaxy also
known as the Sunflower Galaxy. It earned this name due to its
sunflower-like appearance. It was originally discovered in 1779
by Messier's friend, Pierre Mechain. This galaxy is located
about 37 million light-years from Earth, and is part of a group
of galaxies that includes M51. A good telescope and optimal sky
conditions will reveal the galaxy's spiral arms as a grainy
background that brightens considerably towards its center. Color
photos of this galaxy show star-forming regions throughout its
spiral arms.
