... М31 < М32 > М33 ...

Elliptical galaxy M32

Elliptical galaxy M32 is in the constellation Andromeda (And).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):00^h42.7^m, Dec (δ):+40° 52'

Visual magnitude: 8,1^m
Distance from the galaxy M32 to the Sun is 2,57*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 9'×7'
Class: Е2
External dimensions the galaxy M32 are about 6500 light years.
Estimated weight the galaxy: 3x10⁹ suns
The mass of the central object (black hole): 1.5-5x⁶ suns

Discoverer: Guillaume Le Gentil, 29.10.1749 year.

The designation M32 in other catalogs: NGC 221

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M32, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/4-D/2. Higher magnifications of course add details, but lead to a strong drop in the brightness of the image, making it difficult to observe.

The best month for observing M32 is October. At this time, the object is at midnight near its highest point in the sky, that is, it is less affected by light from the lanterns and atmospheric distortions.

Мessier 31

Мessier 33

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