Silver Coin Galaxy, Sculptor Galaxy
Right Ascension | 00 : 47.6 (h:m) |
---|---|
Declination | -25 : 17 (deg:m) |
Distance | 10000.0 (kly) |
Visual Brightness | 7.1 (mag) |
Apparent Dimension | 25 x 7 (arc min) |
Discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1783.
NGC 253 is the brightest member of the Sculptor group of galaxies, which is grouped around the South galactic pole (therefore, also sometimes named "South Polar Group"). The Sculptor group is perhaps the nearest to our Local Group of galaxies. NGC 253 is also one of the brightest galaxies beyond the Local Group. The RASC Observer's Handbook gives the common name Silver Coin Galaxy for NGC 253; it is also referred to as the Sculptor Galaxy.
NGC 253 was one of the major discoveries of Caroline Herschel, the sister of William Herschel (according to John Herschel's GC). She discovered this object on September 23, 1783 with "an excellent small Newtonian Sweeper" of 27 inches focal length and a power of 30 (William Herschel's description). William Herschel included it in his catalog as No. V.1.
Our image was obtained by David Malin with the Anglo-Australian Telescope. This image is copyrighted and may be used for private purpose only. For any other kind of use, including internet mirroring and storing on CD-ROM, please contact the Photo Permissions Department of the Anglo Australian Observatory.
One supernova has been discovered in NGC 253 up to now: SN 1940E, which was discovered by Fritz Zwicky 51"W 21"S of the galaxy's nucleus, and became as bright as 14.0 mag (announced in IAUC 848).
In the SAC 110 best NGC object list. In John Caldwell's observing list. No. 13 in the RASC Finest NGC Objects list. Caldwell 65 in Patrick Moore's list.
Last Modification: 29 Mar 1998, 13:15 MET