Elliptical galaxy M32
The brighter and closer elliptical companion of the Andromeda galaxy, also
known as NGC 221. This is the inner half of a V-band CCD image taken
in twilight (15 seconds' exposure) at the prime focus of the 4-meter Mayall telescope of
Kitt Peak
National Observatory. North is at the top and east to the left,
for direct comparison with a chart or eyepiece view. The center of
M31 is to the north. This area subtends 7.3 arcminutes, and is shown
with a logarithmic intensity mapping. Even so, the bright nucleus
of M32 (probably the highest stellar density known in the entire
Local Group) saturates the display.
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wkeel@ua.edu
Last changes: 5/2001 © 2001