Messier 110 is a satellite galaxy of the much larger Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and a member of the Local Group. It is an elliptical galaxy with a smooth, nearly featureless structure, typical of its type. Despite being classified as an elliptical galaxy, M110 shows evidence of recent star formation in its core, which is unusual for this galaxy type. As one of the brightest dwarf galaxies in the Local Group, M110 is a popular target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.
Names and Catalog numbers
– Messier 110 (M110)
– NGC 205
– UGC 426
Position and the cosmic neighborhood
Messier 110 is easily located due to its proximity to the much larger and brighter Andromeda Galaxy. It appears as a faint, elongated patch of light near the northwestern edge of M31. M110 is one of the two brightest satellite galaxies of Andromeda, the other being Messier 32. The galaxy can be found by first locating the Great Square of Pegasus and then following a line from Alpheratz through Mirach in the constellation Andromeda.
Nice to Know
1. M110 was the last object to be added to the Messier Catalog, despite being observed by Messier himself in 1773.
2. It is one of the few elliptical galaxies known to contain dust, which is visible as dark patches in detailed images.
3. The galaxy contains at least eight globular clusters, some of which can be seen with large amateur telescopes.
4. M110 shows evidence of a population of younger, bluer stars in its core, suggesting recent star formation activity unusual for elliptical galaxies.
Brightness, distance and size
Messier 110 has an apparent magnitude of 8.0, making it visible in small telescopes under dark sky conditions. Located approximately 2.69 million light-years away, it spans about 17,000 light-years in diameter. In the night sky, M110 appears to cover an area of about 21.9 by 11.0 arcminutes, appearing as a faint, elongated smudge of light when viewed through amateur telescopes.
