M96 (NGC 3368) Observation Guide — Spiral Galaxy in Leo

Overview

M96 is a Spiral Galaxy located in Leo, cataloged as NGC 3368. With an apparent magnitude of 9.2, it lies About 38 million light-years from Earth. This Advanced-level object is best observed in the Spring sky.

Spiral galaxies feature a central bulge surrounded by sweeping spiral arms. These arms are rich in young stars and interstellar gas, with active star formation taking place.

Basic Data

Item	Data
Messier Number	M96
Catalog Number	NGC 3368
Object Type	Spiral Galaxy
Constellation	Leo
Apparent Magnitude	9.2
Distance	About 38 million light-years
Best Season	Spring
Difficulty	Advanced
Required Equipment	Medium telescope

Physical Characteristics

This galaxy is located About 38 million light-years from Earth with an apparent magnitude of 9.2.

While there are estimated to be hundreds of billions of galaxies in the universe, those in the Messier catalog are relatively bright and representative objects observable with amateur telescopes.

Observation Guide

How to Find

M96 is located in the Leo region. It transits around 20:00–22:00 during Spring, making it well-positioned for observation. use the main stars of Leo as guide stars and confirm the exact position with a star chart or app.

Observation Tips

Galaxy observation benefits from dark skies and large-aperture telescopes. Use low magnification for a wide field of view, and allow your eyes to fully dark-adapt before observing.

Recommended Equipment

We recommend observing from dark skies with a telescope of 80mm aperture or more.

Astrophotography Tips

M96 is a popular target for astrophotography. Tracking with an equatorial mount is essential. Long exposures (30 seconds to several minutes) at high ISO reveal details invisible to the naked eye. Stacking multiple images reduces noise and produces beautiful, detailed results.

Summary

M96 is a Spiral Galaxy observable in Leo, rated Advanced level. While it requires a somewhat larger telescope, it is a rewarding object to observe. Try observing it in the Spring night sky!