M110

Messier 110 (M110) also known as NGC 205, is a dwarf elliptical galaxy that is a satellite of the much larger Andromeda Galaxy, M32. M110 contains approximately 10 billion stars, as well as at least eight globular clusters. As an elliptical galaxy, it has a smooth and nearly featureless structure. Elliptical galaxies do not have arms or regions of star formation. They are sometimes considered “dead” compared to spiral galaxies, and the stars in elliptical galaxies are often older than those in other galaxies. However, there is evidence that a population of young blue stars exists at the center of M110. About half of the galaxy can be seen in this image, with two of its globular clusters readily identifiable within the left half of the frame. Also seen are large clouds of gas and dust appearing as dark splotches — one large region near the middle of the image and another, smaller one above the galaxy’s core.