Located about 2.5 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda,
Messier 32, (M32) or
NGC 221, is a fascinating dwarf elliptical galaxy that orbits the famous Andromeda Galaxy (M31). With its compact size and intriguing characteristics, M32 has captured the attention of astronomers for centuries.M32, smaller bright object in center of above image, is relatively small compared to its larger neighbor, M31, object taking up the left of the image. It spans only about 6,500 light-years in diameter, making it roughly one-tenth the size of the Milky Way. This compact nature, combined with its proximity to M31, has led to its classification as a satellite galaxy of the Andromeda Galaxy.M32 is thought to have formed billions of years ago through a series of gravitational interactions and mergers with other galaxies. Its lack of spiral arms and overall smooth appearance are typical features of dwarf elliptical galaxies, which are often considered to be the remnants of larger galaxies that have undergone extensive evolution.
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