Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of
our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief
explanation written by a professional astronomer. 2004 December
14 Explanation: Spiral galaxy M33 is a mid-sized member of our
Local Group of Galaxies. M33 is also called the Triangulum
Galaxy for the constellation in which it resides. About four
times smaller (in radius) than our Milky Way Galaxy and the
Andromeda Galaxy (M31), it is much larger than the many of the
local dwarf spheroidal galaxies. M33's proximity to M31 causes
it to be thought by some to be a satellite galaxy of this more
massive galaxy. M33's proximity to our Milky Way Galaxy causes
it to appear more than twice the angular size of the Full Moon,
and be visible with a good pair of binoculars. Authors &
editors: NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply. A service of:
LHEA at NASA / GSFC & Michigan Tech. U.