Close Galaxy Pair in Leo: M95 and M96

Messier 95 and Messier 96 are a remarkable pair of spiral galaxies that share striking similarities in their appearance. Despite their close proximity in the night sky, these cosmic companions boast distinct characteristics that make them captivating targets for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers alike.

Messier 96 (NGC 3368) is a stunning spiral galaxy that presents itself face-on to our perspective from Earth. With a visual magnitude of +9.2, it shines slightly brighter than its counterpart, Messier 95. Its apparent diameter of 7.1′ x 5.1′ makes it a sizeable and alluring sight through even modest telescopes.

Classified as a SAB(rs)ab spiral, Messier 96 exhibits a subtle structure that can be challenging to discern through smaller apertures. While an 80mm (~3-inch) telescope at 40x magnification may reveal a circular diffuse patch of light, a larger 150mm (6-inch) instrument can unveil its brighter core surrounded by a fainter halo.

On the other hand, Messier 95 (NGC 3351) boasts a distinct central bar, earning it the classification of SB(r)b – a barred spiral galaxy. With a visual magnitude of +9.7 and an apparent diameter of 7.4′ x 5.1′, it appears slightly larger than its companion, but dimmer in brightness.

Through a small telescope, Messier 95 presents itself as a diffuse glow, with an 80mm aperture revealing a 3-arcminute-wide patch of light. However, it’s in deep amateur images that this galaxy truly shines, showcasing its magnificent spiral arms and prominent central bar. Under exceptional viewing conditions, larger telescopes around 250-300mm (10-12 inches) may even offer glimpses of this striking feature.

Together, Messier 95 and Messier 96 form a captivating pair of galaxies that have enthralled stargazers for generations. Their close proximity in the night sky, combined with their contrasting yet complementary characteristics, make them a must-see target for anyone exploring the wonders of the Leo constellation.