Messier 61

M 61 is an intermediate barred spiral galaxy 54 million light years away in Virgo and is part of the Virgo cluster.

The galaxy is seen face on and is classed as a starburst galaxy showing multiple areas of star formation in the arms as well as numerous veins of dust throughout with an intensely bright tight spiral towards the central region.

Of note is M 61 is the site of 6 supernovae observations.

Imaged in LRGB on our Planewave CDK 1000 at Observatorio El Sauce, Chile.

Image Processing: Mark Hanson and Mike Selby

Enjoy,

Mark & Mike