A galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is 23 Million light years from Earth and was discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1779. Charles Messier added it to his catalog of deep sky objects as the 63rd entry. This galaxy is also known as the Sunflower Galaxy.

Photo Details:
Taken April 17, 2010 West of Columbia, MO
Camera SBIG ST8300 cooled to -15C
Telescope: William Optics FLT 110 @f7
Mount: Celestron CGE
32 x 3 minute exposures. Unguided.