The Sombrero Galaxy, M104

Located in Virgo in an attractive star field, M104 is a fine example of a galaxy seen almost edge-on. It is considered a spiral galaxy having a huge central bulge (and very bright, almost stellar, core) but one also having characteristics associated with elliptical galaxies. Its most recognisable feature is the finely structured dusty lane in the equatorial plane which resembles the brim of a sombrero hat, but note also the large central bulge of old yellow-orange coloured stars and the numerous fuzzy "stars" within the glow of the galaxy, which are actually some of the galaxy's globular clusters. Distance: ~29Mly. Several distant fuzzy galaxies are also visible in the field.

Here is a wider field view.