APOD
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Nearby Spiral M33
Explanation: M33 is a prominent nearby spiral galaxy. Nicknamed the Triangulum , M33 is one of the larger members of the Local Group of Galaxies . Two massive spiral galaxies dominate the Local Group: M31 and our Milky Way Galaxy . M33 is the only other spiral galaxy known in the Local Group. At 3 million light-years, M33 is the second closest spiral galaxy. M33 is thought by some to be a satellite galaxy to massive M31 . M33 is close enough to appear twice the angular size of the full moon , when viewed with binoculars. Globular clusters in M33's halo appear unusual and might be much younger than globular clusters in our Galaxy's halo .
| Date | July 21, 1998 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Credit & Copyright: D. Malin (AAO), IAC, RGO, Isaac Newton Telescope |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |