Messier 106 (M106), also known as NGC 4258, is a Seyfert spiral galaxy located about 24 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. This galaxy is notable for its bright nucleus and active galactic core, which houses a supermassive black hole. M106 exhibits prominent spiral arms that are rich in star-forming regions and interspersed with dark dust lanes. Its bright core and extended emission make it a popular target for both amateur and professional astronomers.

One of the most intriguing features of M106 is its anomalous spiral arms, which are visible in radio and X-ray wavelengths but not in optical light. These arms are thought to be jets of high-energy particles ejected from the galaxy's central black hole, interacting with the surrounding interstellar medium. M106 also has a notable water vapor megamaser, which has been used to make precise measurements of the galaxy's distance. This unique combination of features makes M106 an excellent subject for studying the dynamics of active galactic nuclei and the processes governing star formation.

In the astronomical tapestry of Canes Venatici, M106 emerges as a captivating spiral galaxy, beckoning the gaze of astronomers and stargazers alike. This celestial beauty, also known as NGC 4258, unveils its intricate spiral arms and luminous core in a display of cosmic grandeur. M106 belongs to the relatively nearby M94 Group of galaxies, adding to the cosmic richness of this corner of the universe.

Situated approximately 23.5 million light-years away, M106 offers a unique opportunity for scientific exploration. Astronomers have probed its core, discovering a supermassive black hole that fuels powerful jets emanating from the galactic center. The interplay of gravitational forces and cosmic phenomena within M106 provides a canvas for unraveling the mysteries of galactic dynamics and the profound influence of supermassive black holes on their cosmic surroundings. As observers peer into the depths of Canes Venatici, M106 stands as a celestial testament, blending artistic beauty with scientific inquiry in the realm of spiral galaxies.

Tierra del Sol, CA (San Diego Astronomy Association's dark site)
70 East of San Diego

Telescope: Celestron C11
Focal length: 1800mm @ f6.3
Starizona SCT Reducer/Corrector
Mount: CGX
Camera: ASI294MC-P
Filters: Optolong L-eNhance/UVIR cut
Autoguiding: Celestron OAG
Guide camera: ASI174mm mini
Integration time: 20 hours (10 each filter)
Exposure time: 120 seconds
Calibration: 50 Darks, 30 Flats/Dark Rlats
Bortle 5

Software:
NINA
PHD2
PixInsight

Copyright: Ralph MacDonald

Image Description and Details :

M106 galaxy dominates on this image. Also known as NGC 4258, M106 is about 80,000 light-years across and 23.5 million light-years away, the largest member of the Canes II galaxy group. For a far far away galaxy, the distance to M106 is well-known in part because it can be directly measured by tracking this galaxy's remarkable maser, or microwave laser emission. Very rare but naturally occurring, the maser emission is produced by water molecules in molecular clouds orbiting its active galactic nucleus.

The following galaxies can also be seen in the image - NGC4248 (bright at the left-bottom of the center), UGC7356 (above M106) and a pair of galaxies NGC4231 & NGC4232 (in the lower left corner of the full-size image). Beneath NGC4248 is also a cluster of distant little fuzzy galaxies.

What interesting is that this image reveals one of the two faint hydrogen jets inside M106 (2 o'clock from galaxy center).

Own remote observatory, 50 km from Kiev, Bortle 4 zone. Imaged during March - May 2021. AZ-EQ6 mount, ONTC8 newton, QHY22. Guide - OAG with Lodestar camera.
Astrodon 5nm Ha: 68 x 900s;
Astrodon L: 125 x 300s;
Astrodon R: 40 x 300s;
Astrodon G: 40 x 300s;
Astrodon B: 70 x 300s;
Total exposure - 40 hr.
Captured in SGP, processed in Pixinsight.

Copyright: Sergiy Vakulenko

Image Description and Details:

Messier Galaxy: M106
Ngc: 4217_4226_4231_4232_4248_4288_4346 (medium galaxy) from left to right.
for pgc I prefer not to detail .. there are too many !!


Sgp sequence: (4 panels)

luminance (50x600s) x4 green (20x300s) x4
h-alpha (41x600s) x4 blue (20x300s) x4
red (20x300s) x4
Made in Mazières-en-Gâtine 79310, total photo time 80h40min.

Copyright: Rémi MERE