The Sombrero Galaxy, also known as M104 or NGC 4594, is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. Notable for its distinctive appearance, with a band of dark dust surrounding its glowing core, it resembles a Mexican sombrero. It is relatively close to Earth, about 28 million light years away, and has a diameter of approximately 50,000 light years. The Sombrero Galaxy is active in star formation, containing regions of intense star birth activity. It also harbors a supermassive black hole at its core, with a mass equivalent to more than a billion times the mass of the Sun. Additionally, it is a prominent target in the Messier Catalog, being the 104th entry. Its distinctive shape and intriguing beauty make it a popular target for astronomical observation.
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