![[m33.jpg]](m33.jpg)
Triangulum Galaxy
| Right Ascension | 01 : 33.9 (h:m) |
|---|---|
| Declination | +30 : 39 (deg:m) |
| Distance | 3000 (kly) |
| Visual Brightness | 5.7 (mag) |
| Apparent Dimension | 73x45 (arc min) |
| Discovered by | Charles Messier Aug. 25th,1764 |
The Triangulum galaxy M33 is another prominent member of the Local Group of galaxies. This galaxy is small compared to its big apparent neighbor, the Andromeda galaxy M31, and to our Milky Way galaxy, but by this more of average size for spiral galaxies in the universe. One of the small Local Group member galaxies, LGS 3, is possibly a satellite of M33, which itself may be a remote but gravitationally bound companion of the Andromeda galaxy M31.
Although no supernovae have yet been detected in the Triangulum galaxy, several supernova remnants have, and were cartographed by radio astronomers with high accuracy. At least 112 variables have been discovered in M33, including 4 novae and about 25 Cepheid's. A strong X-ray source is also situated in this galaxy.
"Nebula discovered between the head of the northern Fish and Triangulum, close to a sixth-magnitude star. The nebula's light is whitish, and almost even in density, but is slightly brighter over the central two thirds of it's diameter, and it does not contain any stars." Charles Messier
Courtesy www.seds.org