Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy NGC 205 in the Local Group
Explanation:
Our Milky Way Galaxy is not alone.
It is part of a gathering of about 25 galaxies known as the
Local Group.
Members include the
Great Andromeda Galaxy (M31),
M32,
M33, the
Large Magellanic Cloud, the
Small Magellanic Cloud,
Dwingeloo 1, several small
irregular galaxies,
and many
dwarf elliptical and
dwarf spheroidal galaxies.
Pictured on the lower left is one of the many
dwarf ellipticals:
NGC 205.
Like
M32,
NGC 205 is a companion to the large M31,
and can sometimes be seen to the south of
M31's center in photographs.
The
above image shows
NGC 205 to be unusual for an
elliptical galaxy
in that it contains at least two
dust clouds
(at 1 and 4 o'clock - they are visible but hard to spot)
and signs of recent star formation.
This galaxy is sometimes known as M110,
although it was actually not part of
Messier's original
catalog.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
