Wikipedia Description:
Messier 74 (also known as NGC 628 and Phantom Galaxy) is a large spiral galaxy in the equatorial constellation Pisces.[a] It is about 32 million light-years away from Earth.[6] The galaxy contains two clearly defined spiral arms and is therefore used as an archetypal example of a grand design spiral galaxy.[7] The galaxy’s low surface brightness makes it the most difficult Messier object for amateur astronomers to observe.[8][9] Its relatively large angular (that is, apparent) size and the galaxy’s face-on orientation make it an ideal object for professional astronomers who want to study spiral arm structure and spiral density waves. It is estimated that M74 hosts about 100 billion stars.[6]
M74 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. He then communicated his discovery to Charles Messier, who listed the galaxy in his catalog.[9]
Acquisition Details:
| Telescope | Takahashi TSA-120 |
| Optics | None |
| Filter | None |
| Camera | ASI2600MC Pro OSC |
| Integration Time | Unknown |
| Subframes | Unknown |
| Date | November 20, 2024 |
| Location | Carlsbad, California |