Menu

C101

NGC 6744

Galaxy Showpiece (75/100)

Barred Spiral

C101 Galaxy Pavo Visible Level 4 Large telescope (10"+) - Dark skies recommended
Credit: ESO. License: CC BY 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Star Map Add to List Add to Plan
Back to Catalog

Properties

Magnitude 8.3
Angular Size 15.7′ × 9.8′
Position Angle 15°
Distance 30000000 ly
Galaxy Type Barred Spiral (Sbc)
Spiral Galaxy [Distance: 30000000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 19h 09m 46.1s
Dec -63° 51' 28.8"
Constellation Pavo
Catalog C101

Visibility

Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.

Survey Image

Loading survey image…

About C101

Description

NGC 6744 is a large, face-on spiral galaxy in Pavo, about 25 million light-years away. Spanning 20 by 13 arcminutes, it is one of the largest galaxies in angular size in the southern sky and is considered one of the most Milky Way-like galaxies known.

Observing Tips

A large but low-surface-brightness galaxy. Binoculars or a wide-field telescope at low power show a faint, diffuse glow. Larger scopes may hint at spiral structure. Dark skies are essential. Best from southern locations in summer and autumn.

History

Discovered by James Dunlop on June 30, 1826 from Australia. Modern studies show it closely resembles the Milky Way in size, morphology, and bar structure.

Fun Facts

If you could see the Milky Way from outside, it might look very much like NGC 6744. The galaxy even has a small, distorted companion (NGC 6744A) similar to the Milky Way's Magellanic Clouds.

Community Photos (1)

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

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

Skybred Mar 2, 2026