M59 (NGC 4621) Observing Guide — Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo

Overview

M59 is an elliptical galaxy in Virgo, catalogued as NGC 4621. At magnitude 9.6 and roughly 60 million light-years away, it is one of the brighter elliptical galaxies in the eastern Virgo Cluster — a compact, smoothly glowing target for advanced observers on spring nights.

M59 is notable for rotating faster than almost any other large elliptical galaxy known. It is also thought to harbor a supermassive black hole of roughly 270 million solar masses at its center.

Basic Data

Physical Characteristics

M59 lies about 60 million light-years from Earth and shines at magnitude 9.6. Its stellar population is composed almost entirely of old, evolved stars with little ongoing star formation. Its notably rapid rotation for an elliptical galaxy has made it a subject of research into the angular momentum of early-type galaxies.

Observing Guide

Finding It

M59 sits in the eastern Virgo Cluster and transits around 8–10 PM in spring. The nearby galaxies M58 and M60 bracket M59 in this part of the cluster, making a natural three-galaxy sweep. Moving east from M58, M59 appears before reaching M60.

Observing Tips

M59's oval shape distinguishes it from its rounder neighbors. Dark skies and at least 100mm aperture are needed to show the galaxy's extent beyond its bright core. Use low magnification for galaxy work — the goal is to see the full halo, not just the nucleus.

Recommended Equipment

A medium telescope with 80–100mm aperture is the practical minimum. At 150mm under good Seeing, the faint outer oval becomes detectable, giving the galaxy more character than just a fuzzy star.

Astrophotography Tips

Guided imaging on an Equatorial mount with stacked exposures works well. The region containing M58, M59, and M60 makes an interesting wide-field composition that captures three distinct galaxy types — barred spiral, elliptical, and giant elliptical — in the same frame.

Summary

M59 is an advanced Virgo Cluster elliptical with an unusual rapid rotation that makes it scientifically interesting beyond its understated visual appearance. As part of a three-galaxy sweep through the eastern cluster alongside M58 and M60, it contributes to one of spring's most instructive deep-sky sessions.