SUNSET: 
0
Photographer:
Mark Germani
Location of Photo:
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date/Time of photo:
May 1, 2, 7 and 9 2024
Equipment:
Astro-Tech AT92, ASI533MC Pro, CEM26, Optolong L-Pro
Description:
M94 (the "Cat's Eye" or "Crocodile's Eye" galaxy) is unique in that it does not appear to contain very much dark matter; the rotation curve (velocity of stars rotating compared to their distance from the centre of the galaxy) does not flatten out the way we've come to expect. Normally, dark matter accelerates material towards the outside of the galaxy, compensating for the greater distance from central visible mass of that galaxy. M94's rotational curve tapers off, and we're not sure why...
