M74
spiral galaxy · Pisces · 9.2ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — spiral galaxy in Pisces.
Notable facts
About 1/3 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M74 in?
M74 lies in Pisces.
Is M74 visible to the naked eye?
9.2ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe M74?
Best observed in October.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 1h 37m · +15° 47′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Pisces
- How to observe
- 9.2ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 11×10′
- Designation
- M74 · NGC 628
Observing tip
Get away from city light pollution — it washes out the faint glow of galaxies first.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 46° | 57° |
| +55° | 51° | 62° |
| +45° | 61° | 67° |
| +30° | 76° | 72° |
| 0° | 74° | 74° |
| −35° | 39° | 71° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 17:51 |
| February | 15:44 |
| March | 13:59 |
| April | 12:05 |
| May | 10:11 |
| June | 08:05 |
| July | 06:01 |
| August | 04:00 |
| September | 02:07 |
| October | 00:18 |
| November | 22:17 |
| December | 20:09 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.