Leo is a typical spring constellation offering fine views into the extragalactic spce beyond the Milky Way. There are five Messier Objects here, all galaxies and all within the reach of modest equipment. Start with low to medium eyepiece magnifications and work up to higher magnifications to improve contrast with the background sky.

M-95: A magnitude 9.8 spiral galaxy with some serious details. The nucleus is an extended region surrounded by a circle of spiral arms. Larger instruments will show a bar-like connection between the nucleus and the arms.

M-96: At magnitude 9.3, this galaxy is a bit brighter, but since it is a bit larger, it appears to be the same brightness as M-95. Also a spiral galaxy, this one has an extended set of arms that go way out beyond the normal faint-fuzzy outline. Larger telescopes (14"+) will be needed to see that level of detail.

M-105, NGC 3371 and NGC 3389 Group: These three galaxies are all well within one eyepice field of view. M-105 is a magnitude 10.2 elliptical. 3371 is a magnitude 10.8 elliptical and 3389 is a magnitude 11.8 spiral, the faintest of the three.

M-65, M-66 and NGC 3628 Group: Another three galaxy grouping for you to enjoy, and one of my personal favorites on a dark night with a 10" scope. M-65 is a lovely, nearly edge-on spiral galaxy at magnitude 9.2. M-66 is brighter at magnitude 8.9 and is a nearly face on spiral with a peculiar shape. NGC 3628 is an edge on magnitude 9.6 spiral with a serious dust lane visible to any scope from 8" and up.

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