What is M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628)
M74, also known as The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628), is a stunning spiral galaxy located in the constellation Pisces. It is admired for its well-defined spiral arms and is a prominent member of the Messier catalog.
What Type of Galaxy is M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628)
M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) is classified as a spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies are characterized by a central bulge, a disk, and spiral arms that contain young stars, gas, and dust.
How old is M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628)
Determining the exact age of M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) is challenging, but it is estimated to be approximately around 10 billion years. Age estimation involves studying the galaxy's stellar populations and the history of star formation.
M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) Size in Light Years
The size of M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) spans an extensive region of approximately about 95,000 light-years.
M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
The diameter of M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) is approximately about 95,000 light-years. Compared to the Milky Way, M74 is of similar size.
M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) Mass in Solar Masses
Estimates suggest that the mass of M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) is approximately about 100 billion solar masses. The galaxy's mass influences its gravitational interactions and internal processes.
M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) Location
M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) is situated in the constellation Pisces. Its celestial coordinates are approximately right ascension 1h 36m 41s and declination +15° 47' 0". The galaxy is part of the M74 Group, a small galaxy group.
10 Interesting Fun Facts about M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628)
- M74 is nicknamed "The Phantom Galaxy" due to its translucent appearance and challenging visibility.
- It was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1780 and later added to Charles Messier's catalog.
- The galaxy's spiral structure is enhanced by numerous young blue stars in its arms.
- M74 has a relatively high rate of supernova occurrences, indicating ongoing star formation.
- It is part of the M74 Group, a small galaxy group that also includes other interacting galaxies.
- The galaxy's appearance is influenced by its orientation, making it challenging to observe certain features.
- M74 has been extensively studied for its spiral structure and the dynamics of its interstellar medium.
- The galaxy contains significant amounts of gas and dust, contributing to ongoing star formation.
- Observations of M74 aid astronomers in understanding the evolution of spiral galaxies.
- Its location in the Pisces constellation makes it a target for amateur astronomers interested in deep-sky observations.
M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
M74 The Phantom Galaxy (NGC 628) is located at an approximate distance of about 32 million light-years from Earth. Converting this distance, it is approximately 1.87e+20 miles (3.01e+20 km) away. This distance places it in the realm of distant galaxies, and M74 remains an intriguing object for astronomical study.