Observer's guide
About Sombrero Galaxy
Sombrero Galaxy (M104) is catalogued as a spiral galaxy in Virgo. Its J2000 position is RA 12:39:59.43, Dec -11:37:23.0, corresponding to 189.9976 degrees RA and -11.6231 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 50,000,000 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 8.51 by 5.01 arcminutes.
Observing tips
This is rated as an easy target at magnitude 8. It is associated with spring observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around March. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 26.4 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.
A small telescope under reasonably dark skies is a good starting point; use the live altitude chart to choose its highest point.
What to expect
The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is LIN. SIMBAD records the morphology as 1. A published radial velocity value is 1095 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 1475 bibliographic references.
At roughly 8.5 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 8.51 by 5.01 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.