Because of its relative proximity to us, M90 appears as one of the larger galaxies of the Virgo Cluster. It can be found above the plane of our galaxy among the 100 or so other members of that group which are spread over a 5 degree field of view around and behind the constellation of Leo. Unlike the other members it is speeding away from them with enough velocity that it will likely escape their gravitational clutches. It is coming toward us at about 250 miles per second, and may some day become part of our local group. But don't worry, if it ever happens, it won't be soon. Our sun and our earth will be long gone by the time it even gets close.

This is a settled and mature galaxy where much of the star formation in the outer arms has slowed down or stopped. There is some action around the bright core and surrounding dust lanes, but the quieter outer arms are just the sort of environment where many stars like our own have already been created. They will be enjoying a long, relatively undisturbed existence. Just the sort of conditions our sun has enjoyed that in turn has made the evolution of higher life forms possible here on earth. To the upper right is a small companion of M90, which perhaps like the Large Megellanic Cloud near our galaxy, may some day merge with the main galaxy.

10" F6.3 Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope, (1600mm F.L.) Baader coma corrector, Modified Canon 300D camera with Baader IR-UV filter, placed at the scopes prime focus
10 photos aligned and averaged together, then brightness, color, and contrast enhanced. (click on photo above for a full frame full rez (500kb) image of the 10 aligned and stacked photos)
Each photo, 900 sec at ISO 800