M95 & M96
Leo Galaxies
Messier 95 (M95, NGC 3351) and Messier 96 (M96, NGC 3368) are two bright, prominent spiral galaxies located in the constellation Leo, approximately 30–35 million light-years away. Part of the M96 Group (Leo I Group), these galaxies are located about 40 arcminutes apart and are easily visible in the same field of view in small telescopes.
Key Characteristics
Messier 95 (NGC 3351)
A barred spiral galaxy situated approximately 33 million light-years away. It features a distinct central bar and a ring of intense star formation surrounding its nucleus.
Messier 96 (NGC 3368):
A double-barred spiral galaxy located about 31 to 35 million light-years away. It is the brightest member of the M96 Group and has an asymmetrical structure likely caused by gravitational interactions with its neighbours.
Discovery:
Both were discovered by French astronomer Pierre Méchain on 20 March 1781 and were subsequently catalogued by Charles Messier.