M105

M105 (the object near center) is a bright elliptical galaxy in Leo, a prominent member of what is called the Leo I group. Lying about 38 million light years from Earth, the galaxy displays very uniform color throughout its structure. High resolution photographs have revealed what is likely a black hole in the center of about 50 million solor masses. The galaxy below and to the right is NGC 3384, another member of the Leo I group but the fainter object to the right is NGC 3389, a background galaxy moving away from us much faster than the Leo I group.

Taken Feb. 22, 2012, with the C-14 operating at F:3.5 and the ST-8 camera binned 2 X 2 - exposure is 15 minutes