Phantom Galaxy (M 74)
Phantom Galaxy (M 74) is a galaxy in the constellation Pisces, magnitude 9.4, 9.9′ × 9.3′ across.
A grand-design spiral seen face-on, beautiful in photographs but one of the hardest Messier objects to see: its light is spread thin, so it needs dark skies and low power.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around November, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in October). It can be seen from everywhere north of 74°S and never sets north of 74°N.
At its highest it stands 56° up from 50°N, 71° up from 35°N, 74° up from the equator, 39° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Galaxy
- Constellation
- Pisces
- Designations
- M 74, NGC 628
- Magnitude
- 9.4
- Apparent size
- 9.9′ × 9.3′
- Position
- RA 1h 36.7m, Dec +15° 47′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Phantom Galaxy (M 74) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.