String of Pearls Galaxy (NGC 55)
String of Pearls Galaxy (NGC 55) is a galaxy in the constellation Sculptor, magnitude 8.5, 30′ × 3.0′ across.
A large, bright edge-on galaxy in Sculptor, irregular and mottled; one of the nearest galaxies beyond the Local Group.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around October, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in September). It can be seen from everywhere south of 51°N and never sets south of 51°S.
At its highest it stands 1° up from 50°N, 16° up from 35°N, 51° up from the equator, 86° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Galaxy
- Constellation
- Sculptor
- Designations
- NGC 55, C 72
- Magnitude
- 8.5
- Apparent size
- 30′ × 3.0′
- Position
- RA 0h 14.9m, Dec −39° 12′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when String of Pearls Galaxy (NGC 55) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.