Messier 32, also catalogued as NGC 221, is a small but bright dwarf elliptical galaxy that shines at magnitude 8.08, making it a rewarding target for astrophotographers working near the Great Andromeda Galaxy. Its compact angular size of 3.4′ × 2.7′ means it presents as a dense, almost star-like glow that benefits from longer focal lengths to resolve its smooth, featureless core. Because it sits immediately beside Messier 31, most imagers capture it as a striking companion within wide-field frames, where its concentrated brightness contrasts sharply against the spiral’s sprawling disk. With a surface brightness of 19.1 mag/arcsec², it holds up well even under moderately light-polluted skies, allowing its luminous center to stand out in relatively short exposures.
Names, key data and data sources
All values come from the astronomical database SIMBAD (CDS Strasbourg). Tap a row to see where the value comes from.
Catalogue numbersM 32 (Messier 32) · NGC 221 · UGC 452 · PGC 2555 · Arp 168Primary designation: M 32SIMBAD
TypeGalaxySIMBAD
ConstellationAndromeda (And)computed
Position (J2000)RA 00h 42m 42s · Dec +40° 51′ 55″SIMBAD
Galactic coordinatesl = 121.2° · b = −22.0°Position relative to the Milky Way plane: 22° south of itcomputed
Brightness8.1 magBand V (visual) · B 9.0 magSIMBAD
Apparent size3.4′ × 2.7′SIMBAD
Orientation-20°Position angle of the major axis, measured from north through eastSIMBAD
Distance2.54 million light-years780 kpcSIMBAD
Diameter2,500 light-yearscomputed
Blueshiftz = −0.00066−199 km/s: approaching usSIMBAD
Sources and methods (11)
- Catalogue numbers: All identifiers under which SIMBAD lists the object; order according to the Astrocamp catalogue rule.
- Type: Entry in SIMBAD, object type “GiG”. Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Constellation: Computed from the position (IAU constellation boundaries). Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Position (J2000): Entry in SIMBAD, quality C (SIMBAD scale A–E). Publication: 2006AJ....131.1163S (NASA ADS). Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Galactic coordinates: Converted from the position (IAU 1958 galactic system). Publication: 2006AJ....131.1163S (NASA ADS). Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Brightness: One catalogue value, band V, error ± 0.1 mag, quality D (SIMBAD scale A–E). Publication: 2007ApJS..173..185G (NASA ADS). Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Apparent size: One catalogue value, measured in N, quality C (SIMBAD scale A–E). Publication: 2023A&A...675A..90P (NASA ADS). Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Orientation: One catalogue value, measured in N, quality C (SIMBAD scale A–E). Publication: 2023A&A...675A..90P (NASA ADS). Value since Oct 20, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Distance: Median of all 9 measurements listed in SIMBAD (methods: redshift 2, T-RDB 1, SBF 1), middle half 2.54 million light-years – 2.58 million light-years, full range 2.28 million light-years – 13.4 million light-years, 1 measurement(s) deviate by more than a factor of 1.5, rounded according to the scatter. Value since Oct 19, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Diameter: Computed from the major axis and the distance; takes the weaker rating of the two values.
- Blueshift: One catalogue value, error ± 6.0 km/s, quality C (SIMBAD scale A–E). For such nearby galaxies it mainly reflects their own motion, not the expansion of the universe. Publication: 2012AJ....144....4M (NASA ADS). Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
Checked against SIMBAD on Oct 20, 2026 · Open M 32 in SIMBAD
Position and the cosmic neighborhood
Messier 32 lies in the constellation Andromeda at a right ascension of 00h 42m 41.8s and a declination of +40° 51′ 55″, placing it right alongside the Great Andromeda Galaxy, Messier 31. As a close satellite of that giant spiral, this dwarf elliptical appears tucked just south of the Andromeda Galaxy’s glowing disk, making the pair an iconic framing challenge for deep-sky imagers. Its position high in the autumn sky for northern observers ensures long, favorable imaging windows, and its proximity to the brilliant stars of Andromeda makes star-hopping to the field straightforward. In wide-field astrophotography, Messier 32 serves as a natural anchor point that adds depth to any portrait of this well-populated corner of the local galactic neighborhood.
Click marks an object (its path tonight) · click again for its constellation, once more to zoom · its name shows details · click outside zooms out · drag to pan
Nice to Know
- Messier 32, also known as NGC 221, is a close companion of the Great Andromeda Galaxy and is almost always captured within the same frame.
- Its distance of around 2.54 million light-years is the median of 9 published measurements, underscoring how reliably it has been surveyed.
- Despite its fame, the galaxy spans only about 2,500 light-years across, making it a remarkably compact imaging subject.
- It carries multiple catalog identities, including Arp 168, UGC 452 and PGC 2555, reflecting its long history of study.
Does that mean it’s adjacent to and separate but orbits Andromeda or a dwarf within Andromeda that orbits?
M32 is a separate galaxy, not part of Andromeda Galaxy. It orbits M31 as a satellite, much like the Magellanic Clouds orbit the Milky Way.
Thank you very much.
I really enjoy your picture.
I am a mere consumer of astrophysics, astronomy, and cosmology.
I did figure it sounded like the Magellanics.