Full-resolution version

Object Type: Spiral galaxy (Sb)
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Magnitude: 8.6
Size: 10' x 6'

M63 is 37 million light-years from our solar system, and is notable for the prominent dust lanes in its disk, which give rise to its common name of the Sunflower Galaxy.

Equipment: Meade 14" LX200R/STL-11000M/Paramount ME
F-ratio: f/9.5
Exposures: LRGB:  L 33 x 20 min. (binned 2x2); R 29 x 20 min.; G 25 x 20 min.; B 23 x 20 min.;: RGB binned 3x3
Date: May 8, 10-12,  15, 18, 23-24, and June 6-7, 2015
Location: Landers, California, USA