Messier 96 (also M96, NGC 3368, UGC 5882 and PGC 32192) is a magnitude +10.1 spiral galaxy located 31 ±3 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. M96 is the brightest galaxy within the M96 Group, a group of galaxies in the constellation Leo that includes the Messier objects M95 and M105, as well as at least nine other galaxies.
The galaxy was discovered by French astronomer Pierre Méchain using using a 15.24 cm (6 inch) speculum newtonian reflector on the 20th March 1781. The galaxy was included in Charles Messier's catalogue four days later.
Right Ascension 10h 46m 45.7s, Declination +11° 49 12"
