M33: A Close Neighbor Reveals its True Size and Splendor

M33 · galaxy

Triangulum Galaxy

The Triangulum Galaxy is a spiral galaxy 2.878 million light-years (ly) from Earth in the constellation Triangulum.

RA01h 33m 50sDec+30° 39' 36"

Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech. Source: JPL via images.nasa.gov.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M33
All designations: M33 · NGC 598 · Triangulum Galaxy
Object type: Galaxy
Constellation: Triangulum
Best viewing: Autumn · Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 01h 33m 50s
Declination (J2000): +30° 39' 36"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —
Redshift (z): -0.000598

III

Visibility tonight

The science

The Triangulum Galaxy is a spiral galaxy 2.878 million light-years (ly) from Earth in the constellation Triangulum. It is catalogued as Messier 33 or NGC 598. With the D25 isophotal diameter of 18.74 kiloparsecs (61,100 light-years), the Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies, behind the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0