M96 is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Leo. It is part of the Virgo Cluster and is approximately 35 million light-years away from Earth. M96 is notable for its bright core and several prominent star-forming regions, making it an interesting subject for astronomers. Discovered by the astronomer William Herschel in 1781, M96 is classified as a type SA spiral galaxy. It has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years and contains a significant number of stars, gas, and dust. The galaxy is also known for its interactions with nearby galaxies, which can influence its structure and star formation.