NGC 253

NGC 253 Sculptor Galaxy (also known as the Silver Coin, Silver Dollar Galaxy, or Caldwell 65) is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Sculptor. The Sculptor Galaxy is a starburst galaxy, which means that it is currently undergoing a period of intense star formation.

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This NGC ranks as one of the largest visual galaxies in the sky, even though it’s not part of our Local Group (it’s on its Edge) And among it’s brightest due to it’s starburst activity.  Personally due to it’s placement in the sky, it’s best observed at the Mount Kobau Star Party in Mid August. I have observed and imaged this galaxy several times, most recently in 2022.

Note on Feature Image

Is from 2022, this was a 30 second exposure ISO-3000.  The tracking on the Mount was off, hence the star trails.  This galaxy is bright enough that even at that short exposure you see much of the Galaxy’s form and structure.

Keywords: NGC 253, Sculptor, Galaxy, Caldwell 65