Observer's guide
About NGC 3368
NGC 3368 (M96) is catalogued as a spiral galaxy in Leo. Its J2000 position is RA 10:46:45.74, Dec +11:49:11.8, corresponding to 161.6906 degrees RA and 11.8199 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 38,000,000 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 6.59 by 4.94 arcminutes.
Observing tips
This is rated as a moderate target at magnitude 9.2. It is associated with spring observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around February. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 49.8 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.
Because it is faint, use a larger aperture where possible, avoid bright Moon conditions, and use averted vision.
What to expect
The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is GiP. SIMBAD records the morphology as SBa. A published radial velocity value is 882 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 868 bibliographic references.
At roughly 6.6 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 6.59 by 4.94 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.