Nearby Spiral M33
Explanation:
M33 is a prominent nearby spiral galaxy. Nicknamed the
Triangulum,
M33
is one of the larger members of the
Local Group of Galaxies.
Two massive
spiral galaxies
dominate the Local Group:
M31 and our
Milky Way Galaxy.
M33 is the only other spiral galaxy known in the Local Group.
At 3 million light-years, M33 is the second closest spiral galaxy.
M33
is thought by some to be a satellite galaxy to massive
M31.
M33 is close enough
to appear twice the angular size of the
full moon,
when viewed with binoculars.
Globular clusters in M33's halo
appear unusual and might be much younger than
globular clusters in our
Galaxy's halo.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
