It is an elliptical galaxy in the Cassiopeia constellation. It is part of the Maffei 1 galaxy group and is the closest giant elliptical galaxy to the Milky Way (about 10 million light years away).
It was discovered, along with Maffei 2, in 1968 by Paolo Maffei, from whom it takes its name, for its infrared emission, since it is located in the galactic shadow zone and is largely obscured by the stars and dust of the Milky Way.
Initially classified as an infrared-emitting object, its galactic nature was recognized in 1971 by evaluating it as a potential member of the Local Group. After about twenty years of study, belonging was excluded, leading to the definition of the new group that takes its name.
Maffei 1 has two satellite galaxies, MB 1 and MB 2, identified in 1995.
From:
https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maffei_1
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