🌟 One of the Best Edge-On Profiles
Few galaxies present such a sharply defined, spindle-like shape as NGC 3115. Its edge-on disk tapers smoothly at both ends, and its bright, round central bulge gives it a classic lens-like form. Even in modest apertures, the galaxy appears sleek and symmetrical—a visual delight for those who appreciate clean structure and balance.

🌟 A Great Example of a Lenticular Galaxy
NGC 3115 is a lenticular galaxy, a type that sits between spiral and elliptical. It shows no spiral arms but retains a disk-like structure. Observing it gives stargazers a chance to study a transitional galaxy type—something different from the usual spirals and ellipticals that dominate the sky.

🌟 Home to a Supermassive Black Hole
Scientific curiosity adds to the appeal: NGC 3115 was one of the first galaxies confirmed to host a supermassive black hole in its core. Although you can’t see the black hole visually, knowing it’s there adds meaning to your observation. This quiet, silvery streak in the eyepiece hides an energetic and massive mystery at its heart.

🌟 Well-Placed for Springtime Viewing
NGC 3115 is best viewed from February through April, when it’s high in the southern sky during evening hours. It lies just a few degrees west of Alpha Sextantis, making it relatively easy to locate despite Sextans being a faint constellation. Its springtime position also places it among many other galaxies, making it a great stop during a night of deep-sky observing.

To find the Spindle Galaxy, start with the familiar Big Dipper of the constellation Ursa Major. You'll make a very long 75° star hop to Alphard in the constellation Hydra. This star is close to the target.

Find Megrez (+3.29) and Phecda (+2.43) in the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major. Hop from Megrez to Phecda and then continue in the same direction on a long star hop to bright Regulus (+1.40), the brightest star in the constellation Leo. Continue to dimmer Alphard (+1.99), the brightest star in the constellation Hydra.

Using binoculars or finder, point to Alphard and center it. Now for the more challenging part: slow scan 6° toward Gamma Sextantis (+5.07). Although this star is too dim to easily be seen naked-eye, it will appear fairly bright in binoculars or a finder. Once centered, switch to a low-powered eyepiece if you are using a telescope. Then scan in the same direction but just half the distance to the Spindle Galaxy. The galaxy is bright enough to be visible even with modest apertures in dark skies, and its distinctive needle-like shape helps confirm the identification.

Found it? Congratulations. Now rest your eye, let it become full dark adapted and spend time trying to uncover details. Good luck!

✅ Use Moderate Magnification for Best Framing
Start with medium power to frame the full spindle shape while still revealing its bright core. Higher magnification can help study the bulge, but too much will narrow the field and dim the outer edges.

✅ Observe Under Dark Skies for Best Contrast
While NGC 3115 may be visible in light polluted skies, its full length and symmetry show best in Bortle 1–3 conditions, where its tapering ends and central brightness stand out clearly.

✅ Let Your Eyes Adjust Fully
Give yourself 20–30 minutes of dark adaptation to detect the subtle edges of the galaxy. Averted vision helps extend its faint halo beyond the core, especially under darker skies.

✅ Start with Alphard
Although NGC 3115 is in Sextans, it is best found using bright Alphard in Hydra as your guide star. From there, move about 6 degrees east to dim Gamma Sextantis and half again to locate NGC 3115.

❌ Naked Eye
NGC 3115 is invisible to the naked eye. Even under the darkest skies, its faint light is far below the visual threshold without optical assistance. The constellation Sextans, where it resides, is itself dim and unremarkable to the unaided eye, offering no obvious sign of the bright galaxy hidden within.

❌ Binoculars
Through binoculars, especially larger models under dark skies, NGC 3115 may be glimpsed as a very faint, starlike point with a slight haze. However, its edge-on shape and true size remain elusive. Binoculars can help confirm its location but offer little beyond the detection of its presence.

⚠️ Small Telescope
In a small telescope of 3 to 4 inches, NGC 3115 appears as a narrow, softly glowing streak with a noticeably brighter center. The galaxy’s spindle shape begins to emerge, especially under dark skies and with averted vision. While fine detail is absent, the clean symmetry and brightness make it a satisfying target for beginners.

✅ Medium Telescope
With a medium telescope of 6 to 8 inches, the galaxy takes on a more defined, lens-like appearance. The central bulge becomes more pronounced, and the disk tapers smoothly on both ends, creating a sharp and elegant silhouette. The contrast between the bright core and the surrounding halo is much improved, making the galaxy stand out beautifully against the background.

✅ Large Telescope
In a large telescope of 10 inches or more, NGC 3115 reveals its full structure with impressive clarity. The disk stretches farther across the eyepiece, and the core glows with strong intensity. Subtle brightness gradients become visible along the length of the disk, and the overall appearance is that of a polished, cosmic spindle— thin and visually striking.

🟣 In Bortle 1–2 skies, NGC 3115 appears crisp and sharply elongated, with a bright core and a smooth, tapering disk. Its full spindle shape is clearly visible, and the contrast between the central bulge and the fainter extensions is excellent. The galaxy stands out beautifully against the dark background.

🔵 Under Bortle 3–4 skies, the galaxy remains prominent and easy to locate. The central bulge still shines brightly, and the overall spindle shape is preserved, though the faint outer edges begin to fade slightly into the sky. The structure is still clear, but fine contrast is reduced.

🟡 In Bortle 5–6 conditions, NGC 3115 becomes more subdued. The core is still visible, but the tapered ends lose sharpness and blend into the background. The galaxy appears shorter and more rounded, and the impression of a needle-thin profile is softened.

🔴 Under Bortle 7+ skies, the galaxy becomes difficult to appreciate. Only the bright central region is visible, appearing as a small, faint blur. The extended disk is almost entirely lost in the skyglow, and its elegant shape is no longer apparent.