Galaxy group in Andromeda
This is a tight group of galaxies about 2.5 degrees northeast of the bright star Alpheratz, which marks the boundary between western tip of Andromeda and one corner of the Great Square of Pegasus. The four largest galaxies in the center of this group (NGC 68, 70, 71, and 72) are each as large or larger than our own Mlky Way Galaxy. NGC 70 is a spiral galaxy with several long arms. NGC 72 with its distinct "S" shape is a nice example of a barred spiral galaxy.
The brightest galaxies in this group are about magnitude 13 or 14, putting them easily within reach of large amateur telescopes.
NGC 70:
| Magnitude | 14.4 |
| Apparent Size | 1.7' x 1.4' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 320 million |
| Right Ascension | 0:18.3 |
| Declination | +30 05 |
| Field of View | 31' x 23' |
Image details: Exposure times of 198 minutes luminance and 24 minutes each of red, green and blue, taken with an SBIG STF-8300M imager and a 14" Meade LX850 telescope at f/5.2.
January 2024