M65

Messier 65 (M65) is a spiral galaxy located in the northern constellation of Leo. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780 and later included in the Messier catalog compiled by Charles Messier. M65 is the brightest member of the small the Leo Triplet, a trio of galaxies that also includes M66 (NGC 3627) and NGC 3628; these galaxies lie at similar distances and are gravitationally associated.

Distance and size estimates place M65 at about 35 million light-years (roughly 11 megaparsecs) from Earth. With an apparent size around 9 by 4 arcminutes, it spans roughly 90,000 to 100,000 light-years across. Morphologically, M65 is a spiral galaxy with a prominent central bulge and relatively loosely wound arms. Its disk contains regions of star formation and dust lanes, and the outer regions are comparatively faint.

The galaxy is often studied as part of the Leo Triplet, where mild tidal distortions and other asymmetries can arise from gravitational interactions with its neighbors. These interactions provide insights into the dynamics of small galaxy groups and the evolution of spiral disks.

Visibility and observing notes: M65 has an apparent magnitude near 9.3, making it accessible to amateur telescopes under good observing conditions. It is best observed from northern latitudes during spring, when the Leo region is prominent in the evening sky.

In research, M65 serves as a reference point for understanding spiral structure, star formation in disks, and the effects of close galaxy interactions within small groups.