Celestial hemisphere:  Southern  ·  Constellation: Sculptor (Scl)  ·  Contains:  NGC 253  ·  Sculptor Filament  ·  Sculptor Galaxy  ·  Silver Coin
NGC 253 - Sculptor Galaxy, Hunter Outten
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NGC 253 - Sculptor Galaxy

NGC 253 - Sculptor Galaxy, Hunter Outten
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NGC 253 - Sculptor Galaxy

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Description

NGC 253, also known as the Silver Dollar Galaxy or Sculptor Galaxy, is a prominent spiral galaxy located in the constellation Sculptor. Here are some key details about NGC 253:
  • Type: Spiral Galaxy (Type: SBc)
  • Distance from Earth: Approximately 11.4 million light-years
  • Diameter: About 70,000 light-years
  • Apparent Magnitude7.2 (bright enough to be seen with small telescopes)
  • Coordinates: Right Ascension 00h 47m 33s, Declination -25° 17′ 17″

Characteristics
  • Star Formation: NGC 253 is known for its high rate of star formation, making it one of the brightest starburst galaxies.
  • Structure: The galaxy has a prominent central bulge and a well-defined spiral structure, featuring bright regions of new star formation.
  • Nucleus: The nucleus of NGC 253 contains a supermassive black hole, which contributes to its active star formation.

Observational Highlights
  • Telescope Visibility: NGC 253 is best observed from the Southern Hemisphere, but it can also be viewed from the Northern Hemisphere during certain times of the year.
  • Best Time to Observe: It is generally visible from August to November.

Importance
  • Research: NGC 253 serves as an important object of study for astronomers interested in star formation, galaxy evolution, and the behavior of supermassive black holes.
  • Cosmic Phenomena: The galaxy's active starburst phase provides insight into the processes that drive star formation in the universe.

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NGC 253 - Sculptor Galaxy, Hunter Outten