Approximately how many light-years across does the Messier 64 structure span?
Answer
60,000 light-years
The physical extent of the Black Eye Galaxy is estimated to cover a diameter spanning approximately 60,000 light-years. This measurement is important for astrophotographers planning to capture the entire structure, as fitting the full extent of the core and the outer spiral arms onto a photographic plate or sensor requires careful selection of focal length and tracking capabilities. While the galaxy is large, its significant apparent brightness (magnitude 9.4) helps offset the challenge posed by its physical size in terms of exposure time requirements.
Related Questions
What galaxy classification is Messier 64, known as the Black Eye Galaxy?What dynamical feature is observed between the inner dusty area and outer regions of M64?In which constellation is Messier 64, the Black Eye Galaxy, located?What is the approximate apparent magnitude listed for Messier 64?What spectral shift is observed for Messier 64 due to its recessional velocity?Why is spectral redshift measurement more reliable than apparent brightness for M64's distance?Approximately how many light-years across does the Messier 64 structure span?What concept is confirmed by the redshift observed in Messier 64?If M64 showed a blueshift, what unlikely scenario would this imply about local gravitational forces?What physical process causes the stretching of light wavelengths when a source recedes?