... М76 < М77 > М78 ...

Spiral galaxy M77

Spiral galaxy M77 or Cetus A is in the constellation Cetus (Cet).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):02^h42.7^m, Dec (δ):+00° 01'

Visual magnitude: 8,9^m
Distance from the galaxy M77 to the Sun is 46,9*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 7'×6'
Class: Sb/P
External dimensions the galaxy M77 are about 100000 light years.
Estimated weight the galaxy: 1000x10⁹ suns
The mass of the central object (black hole): 100x10⁶ suns

Discoverer: Pierre François André Méchain, 29.10.1780 year.

The designation M77 in other catalogs: NGC 1068

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M77, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/6-D/3. 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 M77 is November. 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 76

Мessier 78

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