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C30

NGC 7331

Galaxy Excellent (69/100)

Barred Spiral

C30 Galaxy Pegasus Visible Level 4 Large telescope (10"+) - Dark skies recommended
Credit: Ngc1535. License: CC BY 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 9.5
Angular Size 9.3′ × 3.8′
Position Angle 170°
Distance 49000000 ly
Galaxy Type Barred Spiral (Sbc)
Spiral Galaxy [Distance: 49000000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 22h 37m 04.1s
Dec +34° 25' 01.2"
Constellation Pegasus
Catalog C30

Visibility

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About C30

Description

NGC 7331 is a bright spiral galaxy in Pegasus, about 40 million light-years away. Often called the Milky Way's twin, it is a large, inclined spiral with a prominent bulge and well-defined dust lanes. It appears to lead a small group of background galaxies known as the Deer Lick Group.

Observing Tips

One of the brighter non-Messier galaxies, visible in a 4-inch telescope as an elongated glow with a bright core. An 8-inch scope shows the disk and hints of dust lanes. The four smaller background galaxies require 10 inches or more. Best in autumn.

History

Discovered by William Herschel on September 5, 1784. The group of background galaxies (NGC 7335, 7336, 7337, 7340) was once thought to be physically associated but lies 10 times more distant.

Fun Facts

NGC 7331 rotates in the opposite direction from what its spiral arm winding would suggest, a phenomenon called "backwards spinning" that remains unexplained.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: Ngc1535. License: CC BY 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: Ngc1535. License: CC BY 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026