The Sombrero Galaxy, M104

Located in Virgo in a very 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 structured dusty lane in the equatorial plane which resembles the brim of a sombrero hat. Distance: ~29Mly. Several distant fuzzy galaxies are also visible in the field, whilst at lower right, the line of three stars and double is a multiple star catalogued as S1664.