NGC 247
Properties
Position & Identifiers
Visibility
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Eyepiece View
NGC 247 · 19.7′×5.5′ · N up, E left
Surface Brightness & Visibility
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Redshift
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About NGC 247
Description
NGC 247 is a dwarf spiral galaxy in Cetus, about 11 million light-years away. It is a member of the Sculptor Group, the nearest galaxy group beyond the Local Group. The galaxy has a peculiar void in its northern disk where few stars are found.
Observing Tips
A large but faint galaxy requiring dark skies. Visible as a faint, elongated glow in a 6-inch telescope. Low surface brightness makes this a challenge. Best in autumn evenings when Cetus is well placed.
History
Discovered by William Herschel on November 20, 1784. It is sometimes called the Needle's Eye Galaxy due to the curious void in its disk.
Fun Facts
The void in NGC 247's disk has puzzled astronomers. It may be a region where star formation was suppressed by a past interaction with another galaxy in the Sculptor Group.