M64 • NGC 4826 • Black Eye Galaxy

M64 is a prominent spiral galaxy, known for its dark dust band that encircles the bright core like black eye shadow. T his structure results from past dynamical interactions, as the outer gas layers rotate in the opposite direction of the inner disk, making M64 unique among nearby galaxies. In long‑exposure astrophotography, the dark arc becomes clearly visible, together with subtle spiral features and a bright central bulge. A classic spring target.