Astronomy Picture Of The Day Explore the cosmos Every day, a new image or photograph of the fascinating universe is presented along with a short explanation by an astronomer. 2021 November 12
M33: The Triangulum Galaxy
Image Credit & Copyright: Bernard Miller
Explanation: This magnificent face-on spiral galaxy M33 is found in the small constellation Triangulum. The Pinwheel Galaxy and the Triangulum Galaxy are some of its most popular names. M33 measures over 50,000 light years in diameter and is third in the Local Group, after M31 (Andromeda Galaxy) and our Milky Way. M33, located 3 million light years from the Milky Way is thought to be a satellite the Andromeda Galaxy. Astronomers in both galaxies will likely enjoy spectacular views of their grand spiral star systems. This sharp image shows M33's blue clusters and pinkish regions of star formation along its spiral arms. The galaxy's center is at the 4 o’clock position, and the NGC 604 cavernous region is the most brightly star-forming. This nearby spiral, like M31's, has helped establish the distance scale of our Universe by its well-measured population of variable stars.
