M90

M90 is a designation that can refer to several different things, but it is most commonly associated with Messier 90, a galaxy in the Virgo Cluster. Messier 90 is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Virgo and was cataloged by Charles Messier in 1781. It is one of the brighter members of the Virgo Cluster and lies at an approximate distance of about 60 million light-years from Earth. The galaxy is studied for its star formation activity and spiral structure and can be observed with modest amateur telescopes under dark skies.

In addition to its astronomical use, M90 also denotes a road designation in some regions. For example, the M90 motorway refers to a major roadway in Scotland, United Kingdom. As a general convention, M90 may be used as a model or designation in various fields to label equipment, vehicles, or infrastructure, depending on the country and context.

Because M90 is a shared designation across disciplines, its meaning is usually clarified by context. In astronomy, it most reliably refers to Messier 90, while in transportation and engineering, it typically indicates a specific road or a product model.

See also discussions of Messier objects and road numbering systems for readers seeking broader context on how alphanumeric designations like M90 are assigned and used in different domains.