NGC 253

2. NGC 253. Sculptor Galaxy
General Information: The nearest group of galaxies is in the constellation of Sculptor, at a distance of 10 million light years. The most distinctive of these galaxies is NGC253. It appears elongated because we view it from only 17 degrees above the rim. If we could see this spectacular galaxy face-on, it would be half the diameter of a full Moon. NGC253's diameter is a little over 40,000 light years and is the third brightest infrared galaxy in the night sky. The Sculptor Galaxy's nucleus has undergone an explosion which is ejecting gas at a speed of 120 km/sec. The remaining mucleus is about 500 light years across and radiates almost one-half the energy of the entire galaxy. This miniature version of the Andromeda galaxy is situated rather far south for Northern Hemisphere observers, but even at low altitudes it is a conspicuous sight. With a 12-inch telescope you can detect distinct dark lanes and mottling across its large disk. Though visible in a 4-inch, NGC 253 is best viewed with larger apertures.