The spiral galaxy M94 is located in the constellation Canes Venatici and is best viewed in the spring. As is typical for many galaxies, M94 has a bright central disc. Surrounding the disc is a ring with young stars and star-forming regions; this is called the starburst ring. What makes M94 a little unusual and different is the addition of a second ring further out with moderate star formation. Usually, one would expect this structure to come about by another galaxy interfering with the galaxy, but none is found. These two rings, with their notable steller formation, make the galaxy look an eye.
In addition to the two-ring structure, Messier 94 becomes even more intriguing because it contains little or no dark matter. According to NASA, “Astronomers do not know why it lacks the normal amount of dark matter, but the galaxy has been the subject of extensive study as a result.” 1
Here closer to home, observers will want dark skies to see M94. Luckily, the galaxy is bright enough to view through smaller telescopes under suburban skies, though the galaxy shows up only as a smudge of light. Arguably, this is not bad, considering the M94 galaxy is 16 million light-years away from us.
My Observations
| Date | April 16, 2021 |
| Time | 11:31 p.m. |
| Location | Seattle, WA |
| Magnification | 127x |
| Scope | Meade 8″ SCT |
| Eyepiece | 16mm |
| Seeing | Average |
| Transparency | Fair |
I’m surprised I can see a light smudge considering my current sky conditions are average to fair. I’m fighting off haze at the moment, so I’m glad to see a glimmer of M94. I look forward to another observation session, so I may try resolving this fascinating galaxy better.
Key Stats
| Constellation | Canes Venatici |
| Best Viewing | Spring |
| Visual Magnitude | +7.9 |
| Absolute Magnitude | -20.3 |
| Distance from Earth | 16 million ly |
| Diameter | 32 ly |
| Apparent Size | 7.7 x 6.7 arcmin |
| Milky Way Location | N/A |
| My Viewing Grade | C+ |
| Designations | NGC 4736, Croc’s Eye Galaxy |
Historical Observations
Entry dated March 24, 1781, by Charles Messier
“Nebula without star, above the Heart of Charles [alpha Canum Venaticorum], on the parallel of the star no. 8, of sixth magnitude of the Hunting Dogs [Canes Venatici], according to Flamsteed: In the center it is brilliant & the nebulosity [is] a bit diffuse. It resembles the nebula which is below Lepus, No. 79; but this one is more beautiful & brighter: M. Méchain has discovered this one on March 22, 1781.“
Sources and Notes
Banner photo of M94 by R Jay Gabany and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Historical observation from messier.seds.org.
Sketch by Wayne McGraw
The Garden Astronomer 