M 106 is a barred spiral (SBc) galaxy 25.37 million light-years from the Sun, in Canes Venatici. Its light has travelled 25.37 million years to reach us.
Fly there in 3D| Also known as | NGC 4258, UGC 7353, MCG 8-22-104 |
| Type | Barred spiral (SBc) |
| Distance | 25.37 million light-years (NED-1D average) |
| Radius | 68,640 light-years |
| Absolute magnitude | -20.35 |
| Constellation | Canes Venatici |
| Position (J2000) | RA 184.7370°, Dec 47.3069° |
The light you see left 25 million years ago, after the dinosaurs, when mammals spread across the Earth. At the speed of light, crossing its 137,280 light-years takes as many years.
In galaxy mode, press Local Universe and search for it on the map, or follow the link above: the autopilot flies there, and up close the galaxy is drawn to its catalogued size, shape and tilt (the stars and arms themselves are illustrative).