The Phantom Galaxy, catalogued as Messier 74, is a large spiral galaxy in the constellation Pisces, about 32 million light-years from Earth, containing two clearly defined spiral arms that make it an archetypal grand design spiral galaxy. Its low surface brightness makes it the hardest Messier object for amateur astronomers to see, yet that same face-on orientation and large angular size make it an ideal target for professional study of spiral arm structure; the galaxy is estimated to host about 100 billion stars.
Facts
Classification
Constellation Discovery Year In the Other Atlases
In Constellation
Also in Divinity Atlas: the constellation this subject lies in.
Sources
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia Foundation
2. Wikipedia: Messier 74 - Wikipedia
Lead section
a large spiral galaxy
Discovery section
M74 was discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1780. He then communicated his discovery to Charles Messier, who listed the galaxy as M74.
Infobox
NGC 628
Phantom Galaxy, Wikipedia - lead section, catalogue classification
Messier 74 (also known as NGC 628 and Phantom Galaxy) is a large spiral galaxy in the equatorial constellation Pisces.
Messier 74, Wikipedia - lead section, constellation
Messier 74 (also known as NGC 628 and Phantom Galaxy) is a large spiral galaxy in the equatorial constellation Pisces.
- In Group: Spiral Galaxies, infobox 'type' field: SA(s)c (NED classification, de Vaucouleurs system) filed under Spiral Galaxies
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