Lenticular galaxy in Andromeda
NGC 404 is classified as a lenticular galaxy, which means that its shape is somewhere in between that of a spiral galaxy and an elliptical galaxy. It is easy to locate because it is less than 7 minutes of arc northwest of the 2nd magnitude Mirach (Beta Andromeda), the intensely bright star in this image. Despite its proximity to such a bright star, the galaxy is not hard to see.
| Magnitude | 10.3 |
| Apparent Size | 3.5' x 3.5' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 10 million |
| Right Ascension | 1:09.4 |
| Declination | +35 43 |
Image details: 18 images, each 120 seconds at ISO 1600 with a Canon 400D camera through a Meade 12” telescope at f/10.
November 2008