Astrophotographer Ronald Brecher has captured a stunning view of the Sunflower Galaxy (M63) from his backyard observatory near Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The image, taken in April 2025, reveals exceptional detail in the spiral galaxy's arms, resembling a cosmic sunflower.
M63 shines brightly due to radiation emitted by newly formed, giant blue-white stars. The light from these stars traveled approximately 27 million light-years to reach Earth. Brecher spent over 13 hours capturing 158 exposures using red, green, blue, and hydrogen-alpha filters.
The data was then processed using PixInsight software. May is considered the best time to view the Sunflower Galaxy, which can be found midway between Arcturus in Bootes and Dubhe in Ursa Major. The galaxy's fragmented arms distinguish it from 'grand design' spiral galaxies.