Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Triangulum (Tri)  ·  Contains:  HD9483  ·  IC 131  ·  IC 132  ·  IC 133  ·  IC 135  ·  IC 136  ·  IC 137  ·  IC 142  ·  IC 143  ·  M 33  ·  NGC 588  ·  NGC 592  ·  NGC 595  ·  NGC 598  ·  NGC 604  ·  Triangulum Galaxy  ·  Triangulum Pinwheel
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M33 - Triangulum Galaxy, Indy Backyard Astro
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M33 - Triangulum Galaxy

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M33 - Triangulum Galaxy, Indy Backyard Astro
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M33 - Triangulum Galaxy

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Description

Messier 33, also known as the Triangulum Galaxy, is a stunning spiral galaxy located relatively close to our own Milky Way, about 3 million light-years away in the constellation Triangulum. Despite its proximity, it was not discovered until the 18th century, when French astronomer Charles Messier spotted it in 1764 and included it in his catalog of astronomical objects.This galaxy is noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, it's one of the most distant objects visible to the naked eye under exceptionally dark skies, appearing as a faint smudge. Secondly, Messier 33 is smaller than both the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy, yet it shares similar characteristics, such as a spiral shape and a central bulge of stars. This makes it a valuable target for astronomers studying galaxy formation and evolution.One fascinating aspect of Messier 33 is its intricate spiral structure, adorned with regions of bright star formation, glowing nebulae, and dark dust lanes. These features make it a captivating subject for amateur and professional astronomers alike, as they offer insights into the dynamics of galactic systems.

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M33 - Triangulum Galaxy, Indy Backyard Astro