Suggested Searches

 

Messier 74

Hubble captured this face-on spiral galaxy at visible and infrared wavelengths.

Distance

32 million light-years

Apparent Magnitude

10.0

constellation

Pisces

object type

Spiral Galaxy

A beautiful, face-on spiral galaxy. Its spiral arms are outlined by rusty-brown dust lanes and bright-blue stars.
The arms of the spiral galaxy M74 are studded with rosy pink regions of fresh star formation in this Hubble image. The beautiful reddish blooms that spread throughout M74 are huge clouds of hydrogen gas which glow by ultraviolet radiation from hot, young stars embedded within them. These regions — which astronomers refer to as H II regions — mark the location of recent star formation and are an important target for both space- and ground-based telescopes. Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys collected the data in this image.
ESA/Hubble & NASA, R. Chandar

A stunning face-on spiral galaxy, M74 was discovered in 1780 by Charles Messier’s observing assistant, the French astronomer Pierre Méchain. M74 is located roughly 32 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Pisces. With a low surface brightness and an apparent magnitude of only 10, the galaxy appears as a faint patch of light through small telescopes and is one of the most difficult Messier objects to observe. The best time to look for it in the sky is during November.

M74 is a perfect example of a grand-design spiral galaxy. Symmetrical spiral arms reach out from the galaxy’s central nucleus and are traced by winding dust lanes. The arms are dotted with clusters of young, blue stars and pink regions where the ultraviolet light from these young stars has ionized clouds of hydrogen and caused them to glow.

M74
NASA, ESA and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration; Acknowledgment: R. Chandar (University of Toledo) and J. Miller (University of Michigan)

For more information about Hubble’s observations of M74, see:

locator star chart for M74
This star chart for M74 represents the view from mid-northern latitudes for the given month and time.
Image courtesy of Stellarium
locator star chart for M74
This star chart for M74 represents the view from mid-southern latitudes for the given month and time.
Image courtesy of Stellarium

Explore Hubble's Messier Catalog

The following pages contain some of Hubble’s best images of Messier objects.
Hubble’s Messier Catalog

Overview The Messier catalog, begun by astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th Century and revised over the years, includes some…
Messier 1 (The Crab Nebula)

Better known as the Crab Nebula, Charles Messier originally mistook Messier 1 for Halley’s Comet, which inspired him to create…
Messier 2

Hubble's image of Messier 2 is comprised of visible and infrared wavelengths of light.

More Things Hubble

nearly spherical gathering of white stars at center top. Blue gas cloud extends from top left to center bottom

Hubble Science Highlights

Hubble’s most notable scientific discoveries reflect the broad range of research and the breakthroughs it has achieved.

Upper left: "Hubble Focus" opening of the telescope is the "O" Center: bright-white star, Center Bottom: Orange-red planet with cloud bands, Center: small, bright-white star and very small red-orange dwarf star

Hubble E-books

Investigate the mysteries of the universe with Hubble. Learn Hubble's history. E-books dive deeper into Hubble discoveries and more.

Hubble Online Activities

Find your Hubble birthday image, take interactive tours, play games, and more.

c39-2b

Caldwell Catalog

Your backyard telescope and binoculars may not have the capabilities of Hubble, but you can still see amazing objects. Compare what you see with the images Hubble has taken.