The Triangulum Galaxy (M33): A Spectacular Spiral Galaxy in the Local Group
The Triangulum is a small constellation in the northern sky and home to Messier 33 (M33), a spectacular face-on spiral galaxy. Also known as the Pinwheel Galaxy or the Triangular Galaxy, M33 spans more than 50,000 light-years and is the third-largest galaxy in the Local Group, after the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Milky Way.
Messier 33 and its place in the Local Group
Located about 3 million light-years from the Milky Way, M33 is thought to be a satellite galaxy of Andromeda. These two galaxies will likely provide remarkable views of each other’s spiral star systems. See the view from the Milky Way in this clear telephoto image.
Star formation in the Triangulum Galaxy
This image highlights M33’s blue and pinkish star clusters, including regions of active star formation along the galaxy’s loosely wound spiral arms. In fact, the cavernous NGC 604 is the brightest star-forming region in M33, visible here at approximately the 5 o’clock position from the galaxy’s center.
A cosmic reference point
Like M31, M33’s well-measured population of variable stars helps establish the distance scale of the universe. Learn more about this nearby spiral galaxy through astronomical research and the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day.
NASA’s main site for APOD is moving: Visit apod.nasa.gov and go to science.nasa.gov/apod.
Tomorrow’s photo: star party weekend
Source: science.nasa.gov