M61

M61 — galaxy, explore its interactive 3D model in Cosmoscope.

Explore M61 in an interactive 3D view of space. See its catalogue position, distance and astronomical facts.

One of the largest star-forming spirals in Virgo, seen face-on with knotty arms wound around a bright bar — and a remarkable habit of producing supernovae.

Type

Face-on barred spiral (SAB(rs)bc)

Distance

53 million light-years

Note

A prolific supernova factory — eight seen

Explore M61 in 3D

M61 is placed in three-dimensional space using catalogue coordinates and an adopted astronomical distance. Rotate and zoom to explore the model. Stellar surfaces, gas structure and dust depths may be reconstructed or illustrative, as described in its facts; this is not live imagery from a telescope.