C23
NGC 891
Barred Spiral
Properties
Position & Identifiers
Visibility
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Eyepiece View
C23 · 13.0′×3.0′ · N up, E left
Surface Brightness & Visibility
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About C23
Description
NGC 891 is a spectacular edge-on spiral galaxy in Andromeda, about 30 million light-years away. It is considered one of the best examples of an edge-on galaxy, with a prominent dark dust lane bisecting its disk, giving us a cross-sectional view of a Milky Way-like galaxy.
Observing Tips
Visible as a thin, elongated streak in an 8-inch telescope. The dust lane requires at least a 10-inch scope and good conditions. Low to medium power works best for the 13-arcminute length. Best observed in autumn and winter evenings.
History
Discovered by William Herschel on October 6, 1784. NGC 891 is often compared to our Milky Way because of its similar size, luminosity, and morphological type (Sb spiral).
Fun Facts
Deep images reveal a complex system of dust filaments extending above and below the galaxy's disk plane, likely blown out by supernova explosions. NGC 891 is considered the best analog of how our Milky Way would look from the outside, viewed edge-on.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Hewholooks. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026