M32
Andromeda Satellite #1
Elliptical
Properties
Position & Identifiers
Visibility
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About M32
Description
M32 is a compact elliptical galaxy and one of the closest satellite galaxies of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), about 2.5 million light-years from Earth. Despite its small size (about 6,500 light-years across), it contains several billion stars and has a supermassive black hole at its center with a mass of about 3 million solar masses.
Observing Tips
Visible as a small, bright, round fuzzy spot immediately south of M31's central bulge. It appears in the same telescope field as M31, looking like a bright star that won't quite come to focus. Even small telescopes show it clearly as a compact, highly concentrated glow. Compare its compact brightness with the more diffuse, extended shape of M110 on the other side of M31. Best observed from September through January.
History
Discovered by Guillaume Le Gentil in 1749 — it was the first elliptical galaxy ever observed, though this was not understood at the time. Charles Messier cataloged it in 1764. It is the closest compact elliptical galaxy to Earth.
Fun Facts
M32 is believed to have once been a much larger galaxy that was stripped of its outer stars by M31's gravity during close passages. The stripped stars now form part of M31's halo. Despite its tiny size, M32 contains a central supermassive black hole — unusual for such a small galaxy, supporting the theory it was once much bigger.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Fabrizio Francione. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Feb 28, 2026