NGC 185 is a dwarf spheroidal galaxy located in the constellation Cassiopeia, about 2.08 million light-years from Earth. It was discovered by the German-British astronomer William Herschel on November 30, 1787. NGC 185 is a satellite galaxy of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and is part of the Local Group, a collection of galaxies that includes the Milky Way.
Unlike many dwarf spheroidal galaxies, NGC 185 has active star formation and contains interstellar dust and gas. This suggests it has experienced recent bursts of star formation, making it an exception among galaxies of its type, which are usually old and lacking in new stars. It also hosts a central supermassive black hole, an unusual feature for a galaxy of its size.
NGC 185 is classified as a dwarf elliptical (dE3) galaxy, meaning it has a smooth, round shape with little visible structure. It appears faint but is visible with large telescopes. The galaxy contains several globular clusters and a significant number of older, metal-poor stars, indicating that it has undergone multiple periods of star formation.
This galaxy is important to astronomers because it helps them study galaxy evolution, especially in relation to its larger neighbor, Andromeda. The presence of young stars and gas in an otherwise old galaxy provides clues about how small galaxies develop and interact with their surroundings.
Capture Details:
Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 8se
Filter: Optolong L-Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI294 MC Pro
Mount: Skywatcher EQM-35 Pro
Total Time: 114 x 60 sec 1 hour 54 minutes
Capture Software: N.I.N.A.
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO asi120mm mini ZWO OAG-L
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional details on Astrobin.com.