Barred spiral galaxy M96. M96, or NGC 3368, is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Leo, about 31 million light-years from Earth. The brightest mem

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Barred spiral galaxy M96. M96, or NGC 3368, is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Leo, about 31 million light-years from Earth. The brightest member of the Leo I group of galaxies, M96 belongs to the Sa type of galaxies, which have tightly wound, poorly-defined spiral arms and a relatively large core. The white-yellow colour of the central core region is caused by a population of old stars. The galaxy was discovered along with M95, by Pierre Mechain on 20th March 1781.

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