What is a Black Eye Galaxy?

Designations: Black Eye Galaxy, Evil Eye Galaxy, M64, NGC 4826, PGC 44182, UGC 8062 The Black Eye Galaxy, also known as Evil Eye Galaxy and designated Messier 64, M64, or NGC 4826 in the New General Catalogue, is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Coma Berenices.

Who discovered the Black Eye galaxy in 1779?

Two astronomers made independent discoveries of the Black Eye Galaxy in 1779. The English astronomer Edward Pigott made the discovery in March of ’79, while German astronomer Johann Elert Bode made his observations in April of the same year.

How does the Black Eye Galaxy rotate?

The inner disk contains the galaxy’s spectacular dust clouds and lanes. All the stars in the Black Eye Galaxy rotate in the same direction as the gas in M64’s core region, clockwise, while the gas in the outer regions rotates in the other direction.

Why is M64 called black eye?

A dark band of absorbing dust partially in front of its bright nucleus gave rise to its nicknames of the "Black Eye", "Evil Eye", or "Sleeping Beauty" galaxy. M64 is well known among amateur astronomers due to its form in small telescopes and visibility across inhabited latitudes.