This 8.5 magnitude galaxy is at a distance of 12 million light years. The black eye is caused by dust in the galaxy obscuring the stars behind it. It is also known as NGC 4826.

A composite of 10 five minute exposures binned 1x1. 12" LX200 at f/6.3 with the AO7. Sharpened with  CCDSharp, then given a bit of DDP.

Taken at home in the Mistletoe Observatory May 6, 2002.
 

Previous best:

A composite of a one minute and a two minute exposure taken with the 12" LX200 and 416XT CCD at f3.3 at the ARGO site in central Oregon, June 27, 1998.