List of galaxies
Updated: 5/24/2026, 6:52:19 PM Wikipedia source
There are an estimated 100 billion galaxies in all of the observable universe. On the order of 100,000 galaxies make up the Local Supercluster, and about 51 galaxies are in the Local Group (see list of nearest galaxies for a complete list). The first attempts at systematic catalogues of galaxies were made in the 1960s, with the Catalogue of Galaxies and Clusters of Galaxies listing 29,418 galaxies and galaxy clusters, and with the Morphological Catalogue of Galaxies, a putatively complete list of galaxies with photographic magnitude above 15, listing 30,642. In the 1980s, the Lyons Groups of Galaxies listed 485 galaxy groups with 3,933 member galaxies. Galaxy Zoo is a project aiming at a more comprehensive list: launched in July 2007, it has classified over one million galaxy images from The Sloan Digital Sky Survey, The Hubble Space Telescope and the Cosmic Assembly Near-Infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey.
Tables
· Named galaxies
Andromeda I was named because the galaxy is in the constellation Andromeda
Andromeda I was named because the galaxy is in the constellation Andromeda
Galaxy
Andromeda I
Constellation
Andromeda
Origin of name
Andromeda I was named because the galaxy is in the constellation Andromeda
Notes
Andromeda I is a dwarf spheroidal galaxy (dSph) about 2 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. Andromeda I is part of the local group of galaxies and a satellite galaxy of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). It is roughly 3 degrees south and slightly east of M31. As of 2005, it is the closest known dSph companion to M31 at an estimat
Andromeda, which is shortened from "Andromeda Galaxy", gets its name from the area of the sky in which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda.
Andromeda, which is shortened from "Andromeda Galaxy", gets its name from the area of the sky in which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda.
Galaxy
Andromeda Galaxy
Constellation
Andromeda
Origin of name
Andromeda, which is shortened from "Andromeda Galaxy", gets its name from the area of the sky in which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda.
Notes
Andromeda is the closest big galaxy to the Milky Way and is expected to collide with the Milky Way around 4 billion years from now. The two will eventually merge into a single new galaxy called Milkdromeda According to simulations, this object would probably be a giant elliptical galaxy, but with a centre showing less stellar density than current
Appearance is similar to Ambartsumian's knot
Appearance is similar to Ambartsumian's knot
Galaxy
Ambartsumian's Knot
Constellation
Ursa Major
Origin of name
Appearance is similar to Ambartsumian's knot
Notes
NGC 3561, also known as Arp 105, is a pair of interacting galaxies NGC 3561A and NGC 3561B within the galaxy cluster Abell 1185 in Ursa Major. It was discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on 30 March 1827. Its common name is "the Guitar" and contains a small tidal dwarf galaxy known as Ambartsumian's Knot that is believed to be the remnant
Appearance is similar to an insect's antennae.
Appearance is similar to an insect's antennae.
Galaxy
Antennae Galaxies
Constellation
Corvus
Origin of name
Appearance is similar to an insect's antennae.
Notes
Two colliding galaxies
It appears to rotate backwards, as the tips of the spiral arms point in the direction of rotation.
It appears to rotate backwards, as the tips of the spiral arms point in the direction of rotation.
Galaxy
Backward Galaxy
Constellation
Centaurus
Origin of name
It appears to rotate backwards, as the tips of the spiral arms point in the direction of rotation.
Named after Edward Emerson Barnard.
Named after Edward Emerson Barnard.
Galaxy
Barnard's Galaxy
Origin of name
Named after Edward Emerson Barnard.
It resembles the appearance of a bear's claw.
It resembles the appearance of a bear's claw.
Galaxy
Bear Paw Galaxy
Constellation
Lynx
Origin of name
It resembles the appearance of a bear's claw.
Notes
Also known as "Bear Claw Galaxy."
It has a spectacular dark band of absorbing dust in front of the galaxy's bright nucleus, giving rise to its nicknames of the "Black Eye" or "Evil Eye" galaxy.
It has a spectacular dark band of absorbing dust in front of the galaxy's bright nucleus, giving rise to its nicknames of the "Black Eye" or "Evil Eye" galaxy.
Galaxy
Black Eye Galaxy
Constellation
Coma Berenices
Origin of name
It has a spectacular dark band of absorbing dust in front of the galaxy's bright nucleus, giving rise to its nicknames of the "Black Eye" or "Evil Eye" galaxy.
Notes
Also known as "Sleeping Beauty Galaxy."
Its difficulty of viewing in a small telescope and tendency to go in and out of view.
Its difficulty of viewing in a small telescope and tendency to go in and out of view.
Galaxy
Blinking Galaxy
Constellation
Serpens
Origin of name
Its difficulty of viewing in a small telescope and tendency to go in and out of view.
Named for Johann Elert Bode who discovered this galaxy in 1774.
Named for Johann Elert Bode who discovered this galaxy in 1774.
Galaxy
Bode's Galaxy
Constellation
Ursa Major
Origin of name
Named for Johann Elert Bode who discovered this galaxy in 1774.
Notes
Also known as Messier 81. The largest galaxy in the M81 Group. It harbors a supermassive black hole 70 million times the mass of the Sun.
Looks are similar to a butterfly.
Looks are similar to a butterfly.
Galaxy
Butterfly Galaxies
Constellation
Virgo
Origin of name
Looks are similar to a butterfly.
Its visual appearance is similar to that of a spoked cartwheel.
Its visual appearance is similar to that of a spoked cartwheel.
Galaxy
Cartwheel Galaxy
Constellation
Sculptor
Origin of name
Its visual appearance is similar to that of a spoked cartwheel.
Notes
The largest in the Cartwheel Galaxy group, made up of four spiral galaxies
Appears similar in shape to a cigar.
Appears similar in shape to a cigar.
Galaxy
Cigar Galaxy
Constellation
Ursa Major
Origin of name
Appears similar in shape to a cigar.
Notes
Also known as Messier 82 or M82
Named after the constellation it is located in (Circinus).
Named after the constellation it is located in (Circinus).
Galaxy
Circinus Galaxy
Constellation
Circinus
Origin of name
Named after the constellation it is located in (Circinus).
Its resemblance in shape to a cocoon
Its resemblance in shape to a cocoon
Galaxy
Cocoon Galaxy
Constellation
Canes Venatici
Origin of name
Its resemblance in shape to a cocoon
Named after its resemblance to the Pinwheel Galaxy and its location in the Coma Berenices constellation.
Named after its resemblance to the Pinwheel Galaxy and its location in the Coma Berenices constellation.
Galaxy
Coma Pinwheel Galaxy
Constellation
Coma Berenices
Origin of name
Named after its resemblance to the Pinwheel Galaxy and its location in the Coma Berenices constellation.
Notes
Also known as Messier 99 or M99
This galaxy is named after its unusual appearance, looking like a comet.
This galaxy is named after its unusual appearance, looking like a comet.
Galaxy
Comet Galaxy
Constellation
Sculptor
Origin of name
This galaxy is named after its unusual appearance, looking like a comet.
Notes
The comet effect is caused by tidal stripping by its galaxy cluster, Abell 2667.
Named after a condor, a type of vulture that is one of the largest flying birds.
Named after a condor, a type of vulture that is one of the largest flying birds.
Galaxy
Condor Galaxy
Constellation
Pavo
Origin of name
Named after a condor, a type of vulture that is one of the largest flying birds.
Notes
The largest known spiral galaxy, it has a diameter of over 665,300 light-years (204 kiloparsecs). It is tidally disturbed by the smaller lenticular galaxy IC 4970.
The name of this galaxy is based on a Redshift (z) measurement of nearly 7 (actually, z = 6 ).
The name of this galaxy is based on a Redshift (z) measurement of nearly 7 (actually, z = 6 ).
Galaxy
Cosmos Redshift 7
Constellation
Sextans
Origin of name
The name of this galaxy is based on a Redshift (z) measurement of nearly 7 (actually, z = 6 ).
Notes
Galaxy Cosmos Redshift 7 is reported to be the brightest of distant galaxies (z > 6) and to contain some of the earliest first stars (first generation; Population III) that produced the chemical elements needed for the later formation of planets and life as we know it.
Named after the dust lanes and spiral arms of the galaxy.
Named after the dust lanes and spiral arms of the galaxy.
Galaxy
Dusty Hand Galaxy
Constellation
Camelopardalis
Origin of name
Named after the dust lanes and spiral arms of the galaxy.
Named after its structural appearance
Named after its structural appearance
Galaxy
Eye of God
Constellation
Eridanus
Origin of name
Named after its structural appearance
Notes
A prototype for multi-arm spiral galaxies
Due to its resemblance to the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings.
Due to its resemblance to the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings.
Galaxy
Eye of Sauron
Constellation
Canes Venatici
Origin of name
Due to its resemblance to the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings.
Due to its bright and spotty appearance
Due to its bright and spotty appearance
Galaxy
Fireworks Galaxy
Constellation
Cygnus and Cepheus
Origin of name
Due to its bright and spotty appearance
Notes
Active starburst galaxy
Due to its similar appearance to a fried egg
Due to its similar appearance to a fried egg
Galaxy
Fried Egg Galaxy
Constellation
Pegasus
Origin of name
Due to its similar appearance to a fried egg
Its extremely large size
Its extremely large size
Galaxy
Godzilla Galaxy
Constellation
Perseus
Origin of name
Its extremely large size
Its shape resembles a helix
Its shape resembles a helix
Galaxy
Helix Galaxy
Constellation
Ursa Major
Origin of name
Its shape resembles a helix
Named after its appearance to a grasshopper
Named after its appearance to a grasshopper
Galaxy
Grasshopper
Constellation
Lynx
Origin of name
Named after its appearance to a grasshopper
Notes
Two colliding galaxies
The difficulty in observing this object makes it 'hidden' though it can readily be detected even with binoculars.
The difficulty in observing this object makes it 'hidden' though it can readily be detected even with binoculars.
Galaxy
Hidden Galaxy
Constellation
Camelopardalis
Origin of name
The difficulty in observing this object makes it 'hidden' though it can readily be detected even with binoculars.
Its elongated and curved appearance resembles a hockey stick.
Its elongated and curved appearance resembles a hockey stick.
Galaxy
Hockey Stick Galaxies
Constellation
Canes Venatici
Origin of name
Its elongated and curved appearance resembles a hockey stick.
Notes
Also known as Crowbar Galaxy
This is named after Art Hoag, who discovered this ring galaxy.
This is named after Art Hoag, who discovered this ring galaxy.
Galaxy
Hoag's Object
Constellation
Serpens Caput
Origin of name
This is named after Art Hoag, who discovered this ring galaxy.
Notes
It is of the subtype Hoag-type galaxy, and may in fact be a polar-ring galaxy with the ring in the plane of rotation of the central object.
Named after its thin shape, similar to knife's edge.
Named after its thin shape, similar to knife's edge.
Galaxy
Knife Edge Galaxy
Constellation
Draco
Origin of name
Named after its thin shape, similar to knife's edge.
Named after Ferdinand Magellan
Named after Ferdinand Magellan
Galaxy
Large Magellanic Cloud
Constellation
Dorado/Mensa
Origin of name
Named after Ferdinand Magellan
Notes
This is the fourth-largest galaxy in the Local Group, and forms a pair with the SMC, and from recent research, may not be part of the Milky Way system of satellites at all.
Named after its discoverer, Eric Lindsay, his professor Harlow Shapley, and its nature as a ring galaxy.
Named after its discoverer, Eric Lindsay, his professor Harlow Shapley, and its nature as a ring galaxy.
Galaxy
Lindsay-Shapley Ring
Constellation
Volans
Origin of name
Named after its discoverer, Eric Lindsay, his professor Harlow Shapley, and its nature as a ring galaxy.
Notes
The ring is the result of collision with another galaxy
Named after its similarity to the Sombrero Galaxy.
Named after its similarity to the Sombrero Galaxy.
Galaxy
Little Sombrero Galaxy
Constellation
Pegasus
Origin of name
Named after its similarity to the Sombrero Galaxy.
Discovered and named by David Malin.
Discovered and named by David Malin.
Galaxy
Malin 1
Constellation
Coma Berenices
Origin of name
Discovered and named by David Malin.
After its appearance resembling a meathook.
After its appearance resembling a meathook.
Galaxy
Meathook Galaxy
Constellation
Volans
Origin of name
After its appearance resembling a meathook.
Ejected dust from the merging galaxies is said to look like the snakes that the Gorgon Medusa from Greek mythology had on her head.
Ejected dust from the merging galaxies is said to look like the snakes that the Gorgon Medusa from Greek mythology had on her head.
Galaxy
Medusa Merger
Constellation
Ursa Major
Origin of name
Ejected dust from the merging galaxies is said to look like the snakes that the Gorgon Medusa from Greek mythology had on her head.
Similar to the Sculpture Galaxies
Similar to the Sculpture Galaxies
Galaxy
Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy
Constellation
Sculptor
Origin of name
Similar to the Sculpture Galaxies
Notes
Also known as Sculptor Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy, Sculptor Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy, and formerly as the Sculptor System
Appearance is similar to a mouse.
Appearance is similar to a mouse.
Galaxy
Mice Galaxies
Constellation
Coma Berenices
Origin of name
Appearance is similar to a mouse.
Named after Ferdinand Magellan
Named after Ferdinand Magellan
Galaxy
Small Magellanic Cloud
Constellation
Tucana
Origin of name
Named after Ferdinand Magellan
Notes
This forms a pair with the LMC, and from recent research, may not be part of the Milky Way system of satellites at all.
This is named after Nicholas Mayall, of the Lick Observatory, who discovered it.
This is named after Nicholas Mayall, of the Lick Observatory, who discovered it.
Galaxy
Mayall's Object
Constellation
Ursa Major
Origin of name
This is named after Nicholas Mayall, of the Lick Observatory, who discovered it.
Notes
Also called VV 32 and Arp 148, this is a very peculiar looking object, and is likely to be not one galaxy, but two galaxies undergoing a collision. Event in images is a spindle shape and a ring shape.
The appearance from Earth of the galaxy—a band of light
The appearance from Earth of the galaxy—a band of light
Galaxy
Milky Way
Constellation
Sagittarius (centre)
Origin of name
The appearance from Earth of the galaxy—a band of light
Notes
The galaxy containing the Sun and its Solar System, and therefore Earth.
Named due to its slender appearance.
Named due to its slender appearance.
Galaxy
Needle Galaxy
Constellation
Coma Berenices
Origin of name
Named due to its slender appearance.
Notes
Also known as Caldwell 38
Named for the three astronomers instrumental in its discovery and identification.
Named for the three astronomers instrumental in its discovery and identification.
Galaxy
Wolf-Lundmark-Melotte
Constellation
Cetus
Origin of name
Named for the three astronomers instrumental in its discovery and identification.
Named after its appearance to the organism Paramecium
Named after its appearance to the organism Paramecium
Galaxy
Paramecium Galaxy
Constellation
Pegasus
Origin of name
Named after its appearance to the organism Paramecium
Notes
It is included in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies in the category galaxies with detached segments.
Galaxy (aka HIPASS J1131-31) was hidden behind a relatively fast-moving foreground star (TYC 7215–199–1) and became observable when the star moved aside.
Galaxy (aka HIPASS J1131-31) was hidden behind a relatively fast-moving foreground star (TYC 7215–199–1) and became observable when the star moved aside.
Galaxy
Peekaboo Galaxy
Constellation
Hydra
Origin of name
Galaxy (aka HIPASS J1131-31) was hidden behind a relatively fast-moving foreground star (TYC 7215–199–1) and became observable when the star moved aside.
Notes
Galaxy, relatively nearby, is considered one of the most metal-poor ("extremely metal-poor" (XMP)), least chemically enriched, and seemingly primordial, galaxies known.
Similar in appearance to a pinwheel.
Similar in appearance to a pinwheel.
Galaxy
Pinwheel Galaxy
Constellation
Ursa Major
Origin of name
Similar in appearance to a pinwheel.
Notes
Also known as Messier 101 or M101
Its appearance resembles a porpoise
Its appearance resembles a porpoise
Galaxy
Porpoise Galaxy
Constellation
Hydra
Origin of name
Its appearance resembles a porpoise
Notes
Also known as the Penguin Galaxy
Named after its location in the Sculptor Constellation. Also called the Silver Dollar or Silver Coin Galaxy, because of its light and circular appearance.
Named after its location in the Sculptor Constellation. Also called the Silver Dollar or Silver Coin Galaxy, because of its light and circular appearance.
Galaxy
Sculptor Galaxy
Constellation
Sculptor
Origin of name
Named after its location in the Sculptor Constellation. Also called the Silver Dollar or Silver Coin Galaxy, because of its light and circular appearance.
Notes
Also known as the Silver Coin, Silver Dollar Galaxy or Caldwell 65
Named after its resemblance to a pinwheel and its location in the Sculptor Constellation.
Named after its resemblance to a pinwheel and its location in the Sculptor Constellation.
Galaxy
Sculptor Pinwheel Galaxy
Constellation
Sculptor
Origin of name
Named after its resemblance to a pinwheel and its location in the Sculptor Constellation.
Notes
Also known as NGC 300 and Caldwell 70.
Its resemblance to a July 4th skyrocket
Its resemblance to a July 4th skyrocket
Galaxy
Skyrocket Galaxy
Constellation
Ursa Major
Origin of name
Its resemblance to a July 4th skyrocket
Similar in appearance to a sombrero.
Similar in appearance to a sombrero.
Galaxy
Sombrero Galaxy
Constellation
Virgo
Origin of name
Similar in appearance to a sombrero.
Notes
Also known as Messier Object 104 or M104
Named after its resemblance to the Pinwheel Galaxy and its location in the southern celestial hemisphere.
Named after its resemblance to the Pinwheel Galaxy and its location in the southern celestial hemisphere.
Galaxy
Southern Pinwheel Galaxy
Constellation
Hydra
Origin of name
Named after its resemblance to the Pinwheel Galaxy and its location in the southern celestial hemisphere.
Named after its appearance of a spider
Named after its appearance of a spider
Galaxy
Spider Galaxy
Constellation
Boötes
Origin of name
Named after its appearance of a spider
Its irregular shape and continuous structure resembles a spiderweb.
Its irregular shape and continuous structure resembles a spiderweb.
Galaxy
Spiderweb Galaxy
Constellation
Hydra
Origin of name
Its irregular shape and continuous structure resembles a spiderweb.
Similar in appearance to a starfish.
Similar in appearance to a starfish.
Galaxy
Starfish Galaxy
Constellation
Ophiuchus
Origin of name
Similar in appearance to a starfish.
Notes
Merger of 3 galaxies
Similar in appearance to a sunflower.
Similar in appearance to a sunflower.
Galaxy
Sunflower Galaxy
Constellation
Canes Venatici
Origin of name
Similar in appearance to a sunflower.
Similar in apperance to a surfboard.
Similar in apperance to a surfboard.
Galaxy
Surfboard Galaxy
Constellation
Ursa Major
Origin of name
Similar in apperance to a surfboard.
Notes
Also known as Messier 108 or M108.
The name comes from the resemblance of the galaxy to a tadpole.
The name comes from the resemblance of the galaxy to a tadpole.
Galaxy
Tadpole Galaxy
Constellation
Draco
Origin of name
The name comes from the resemblance of the galaxy to a tadpole.
Notes
This shape resulted from tidal interaction that drew out a long tidal tail.
The disorganized and chaotic appearance makes it look topsy turvy.
The disorganized and chaotic appearance makes it look topsy turvy.
Galaxy
Topsy Turvy Galaxy
Constellation
Reticulum
Origin of name
The disorganized and chaotic appearance makes it look topsy turvy.
Named after its location within the Triangulum constellation.
Named after its location within the Triangulum constellation.
Galaxy
Triangulum Galaxy
Constellation
Triangulum
Origin of name
Named after its location within the Triangulum constellation.
Named after its resemblance to a UFO.
Named after its resemblance to a UFO.
Galaxy
UFO Galaxy
Constellation
Lynx
Origin of name
Named after its resemblance to a UFO.
Named after its supposed resemblance to a whale.
Named after its supposed resemblance to a whale.
Galaxy
Whale Galaxy
Constellation
Canes Venatici
Origin of name
Named after its supposed resemblance to a whale.
From the whirlpool appearance this gravitationally disturbed galaxy exhibits.
From the whirlpool appearance this gravitationally disturbed galaxy exhibits.
Galaxy
Whirlpool Galaxy
Constellation
Canes Venatici
Origin of name
From the whirlpool appearance this gravitationally disturbed galaxy exhibits.
| Image | Galaxy | Constellation | Origin of name | Notes |
| | Alcyoneus | Lynx | A low-exitation, Fanaroff and Riley Class II radio galaxy, one of the largest discovered. | |
| | Andromeda I | Andromeda | Andromeda I was named because the galaxy is in the constellation Andromeda | Andromeda I is a dwarf spheroidal galaxy (dSph) about 2 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. Andromeda I is part of the local group of galaxies and a satellite galaxy of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). It is roughly 3 degrees south and slightly east of M31. As of 2005, it is the closest known dSph companion to M31 at an estimat |
| | Andromeda Galaxy | Andromeda | Andromeda, which is shortened from "Andromeda Galaxy", gets its name from the area of the sky in which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda. | Andromeda is the closest big galaxy to the Milky Way and is expected to collide with the Milky Way around 4 billion years from now. The two will eventually merge into a single new galaxy called Milkdromeda According to simulations, this object would probably be a giant elliptical galaxy, but with a centre showing less stellar density than current |
| | Ambartsumian's Knot | Ursa Major | Appearance is similar to Ambartsumian's knot | NGC 3561, also known as Arp 105, is a pair of interacting galaxies NGC 3561A and NGC 3561B within the galaxy cluster Abell 1185 in Ursa Major. It was discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on 30 March 1827. Its common name is "the Guitar" and contains a small tidal dwarf galaxy known as Ambartsumian's Knot that is believed to be the remnant |
| | Antennae Galaxies | Corvus | Appearance is similar to an insect's antennae. | Two colliding galaxies |
| | Backward Galaxy | Centaurus | It appears to rotate backwards, as the tips of the spiral arms point in the direction of rotation. | |
| | Barnard's Galaxy | Named after Edward Emerson Barnard. | ||
| | Bear Paw Galaxy | Lynx | It resembles the appearance of a bear's claw. | Also known as "Bear Claw Galaxy." |
| | Black Eye Galaxy | Coma Berenices | It has a spectacular dark band of absorbing dust in front of the galaxy's bright nucleus, giving rise to its nicknames of the "Black Eye" or "Evil Eye" galaxy. | Also known as "Sleeping Beauty Galaxy." |
| | Blinking Galaxy | Serpens | Its difficulty of viewing in a small telescope and tendency to go in and out of view. | |
| | Bode's Galaxy | Ursa Major | Named for Johann Elert Bode who discovered this galaxy in 1774. | Also known as Messier 81. The largest galaxy in the M81 Group. It harbors a supermassive black hole 70 million times the mass of the Sun. |
| | Butterfly Galaxies | Virgo | Looks are similar to a butterfly. | |
| | Cartwheel Galaxy | Sculptor | Its visual appearance is similar to that of a spoked cartwheel. | The largest in the Cartwheel Galaxy group, made up of four spiral galaxies |
| | Cigar Galaxy | Ursa Major | Appears similar in shape to a cigar. | Also known as Messier 82 or M82 |
| | Circinus Galaxy | Circinus | Named after the constellation it is located in (Circinus). | |
| | Cocoon Galaxy | Canes Venatici | Its resemblance in shape to a cocoon | |
| | Coma Pinwheel Galaxy | Coma Berenices | Named after its resemblance to the Pinwheel Galaxy and its location in the Coma Berenices constellation. | Also known as Messier 99 or M99 |
| | Comet Galaxy | Sculptor | This galaxy is named after its unusual appearance, looking like a comet. | The comet effect is caused by tidal stripping by its galaxy cluster, Abell 2667. |
| | Condor Galaxy | Pavo | Named after a condor, a type of vulture that is one of the largest flying birds. | The largest known spiral galaxy, it has a diameter of over 665,300 light-years (204 kiloparsecs). It is tidally disturbed by the smaller lenticular galaxy IC 4970. |
| | Cosmos Redshift 7 | Sextans | The name of this galaxy is based on a Redshift (z) measurement of nearly 7 (actually, z = 6 ). | Galaxy Cosmos Redshift 7 is reported to be the brightest of distant galaxies (z > 6) and to contain some of the earliest first stars (first generation; Population III) that produced the chemical elements needed for the later formation of planets and life as we know it. |
| | Dusty Hand Galaxy | Camelopardalis | Named after the dust lanes and spiral arms of the galaxy. | |
| | Eye of God | Eridanus | Named after its structural appearance | A prototype for multi-arm spiral galaxies |
| | Eye of Sauron | Canes Venatici | Due to its resemblance to the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings. | |
| | Fireworks Galaxy | Cygnus and Cepheus | Due to its bright and spotty appearance | Active starburst galaxy |
| | Fried Egg Galaxy | Pegasus | Due to its similar appearance to a fried egg | |
| | Godzilla Galaxy | Perseus | Its extremely large size | |
| | Helix Galaxy | Ursa Major | Its shape resembles a helix | |
| | Grasshopper | Lynx | Named after its appearance to a grasshopper | Two colliding galaxies |
| | Hidden Galaxy | Camelopardalis | The difficulty in observing this object makes it 'hidden' though it can readily be detected even with binoculars. | |
| | Hockey Stick Galaxies | Canes Venatici | Its elongated and curved appearance resembles a hockey stick. | Also known as Crowbar Galaxy |
| | Hoag's Object | Serpens Caput | This is named after Art Hoag, who discovered this ring galaxy. | It is of the subtype Hoag-type galaxy, and may in fact be a polar-ring galaxy with the ring in the plane of rotation of the central object. |
| | Knife Edge Galaxy | Draco | Named after its thin shape, similar to knife's edge. | |
| | Large Magellanic Cloud | Dorado/Mensa | Named after Ferdinand Magellan | This is the fourth-largest galaxy in the Local Group, and forms a pair with the SMC, and from recent research, may not be part of the Milky Way system of satellites at all. |
| | Lindsay-Shapley Ring | Volans | Named after its discoverer, Eric Lindsay, his professor Harlow Shapley, and its nature as a ring galaxy. | The ring is the result of collision with another galaxy |
| | Little Sombrero Galaxy | Pegasus | Named after its similarity to the Sombrero Galaxy. | |
| | Malin 1 | Coma Berenices | Discovered and named by David Malin. | |
| | Meathook Galaxy | Volans | After its appearance resembling a meathook. | |
| | Medusa Merger | Ursa Major | Ejected dust from the merging galaxies is said to look like the snakes that the Gorgon Medusa from Greek mythology had on her head. | |
| | Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy | Sculptor | Similar to the Sculpture Galaxies | Also known as Sculptor Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy, Sculptor Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy, and formerly as the Sculptor System |
| | Mice Galaxies | Coma Berenices | Appearance is similar to a mouse. | |
| | Small Magellanic Cloud | Tucana | Named after Ferdinand Magellan | This forms a pair with the LMC, and from recent research, may not be part of the Milky Way system of satellites at all. |
| | Mayall's Object | Ursa Major | This is named after Nicholas Mayall, of the Lick Observatory, who discovered it. | Also called VV 32 and Arp 148, this is a very peculiar looking object, and is likely to be not one galaxy, but two galaxies undergoing a collision. Event in images is a spindle shape and a ring shape. |
| | Milky Way | Sagittarius (centre) | The appearance from Earth of the galaxy—a band of light | The galaxy containing the Sun and its Solar System, and therefore Earth. |
| | Needle Galaxy | Coma Berenices | Named due to its slender appearance. | Also known as Caldwell 38 |
| | Wolf-Lundmark-Melotte | Cetus | Named for the three astronomers instrumental in its discovery and identification. | |
| | Paramecium Galaxy | Pegasus | Named after its appearance to the organism Paramecium | It is included in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies in the category galaxies with detached segments. |
| | Peekaboo Galaxy | Hydra | Galaxy (aka HIPASS J1131-31) was hidden behind a relatively fast-moving foreground star (TYC 7215–199–1) and became observable when the star moved aside. | Galaxy, relatively nearby, is considered one of the most metal-poor ("extremely metal-poor" (XMP)), least chemically enriched, and seemingly primordial, galaxies known. |
| | Pinwheel Galaxy | Ursa Major | Similar in appearance to a pinwheel. | Also known as Messier 101 or M101 |
| | Porphyrion | Draco |
Naked-eye galaxies · Naked-eye galaxies
Milky Way
Milky Way
Galaxy
Milky Way
Apparent
Magnitude
−6
Distance
0
Constellation
Sagittarius (centre)
Notes
This is the galaxy containing the Sun and its Solar System, and therefore Earth. Most things visible to the naked eye in the sky are part of it, including the Milky Way composing the Zone of Avoidance.
Large Magellanic Cloud
Large Magellanic Cloud
Galaxy
Large Magellanic Cloud
Apparent
Magnitude
0
Distance
160 kly (49 kpc)
Constellation
Dorado/Mensa
Notes
Visible only from the southern hemisphere. It is also the brightest patch of nebulosity in the sky.
Small Magellanic Cloud (NGC 292)
Small Magellanic Cloud (NGC 292)
Galaxy
Small Magellanic Cloud (NGC 292)
Apparent
Magnitude
2
Distance
200 kly (61 kpc)
Constellation
Tucana
Notes
Visible only from the southern hemisphere.
Andromeda Galaxy (M31, NGC 224)
Andromeda Galaxy (M31, NGC 224)
Galaxy
Andromeda Galaxy (M31, NGC 224)
Apparent
Magnitude
3
Distance
2 Mly (770 kpc)
Constellation
Andromeda
Notes
Once called the Great Andromeda Nebula, it is situated in the Andromeda constellation.
Triangulum Galaxy (M33, NGC 598)
Triangulum Galaxy (M33, NGC 598)
Galaxy
Triangulum Galaxy (M33, NGC 598)
Apparent
Magnitude
5
Distance
2 Mly (890 kpc)
Constellation
Triangulum
Notes
Being a diffuse object, its visibility is strongly affected by even small amounts of light pollution, ranging from easily visible in direct vision in truly dark skies to a difficult averted vision object in rural/suburban skies.
Centaurus A (NGC 5128)
Centaurus A (NGC 5128)
Galaxy
Centaurus A (NGC 5128)
Apparent
Magnitude
6
Distance
13 Mly (4 Mpc)
Constellation
Centaurus
Notes
Centaurus A has been spotted with the naked eye by Stephen James O'Meara.
Bode's Galaxy (M81, NGC 3031)
Bode's Galaxy (M81, NGC 3031)
Galaxy
Bode's Galaxy (M81, NGC 3031)
Apparent
Magnitude
6
Distance
12 Mly (3 Mpc)
Constellation
Ursa Major
Notes
Highly experienced amateur astronomers may be able to see Messier 81 under exceptional observing conditions.
| Galaxy | Apparent Magnitude | Distance | Constellation | Notes |
| Milky Way | −6 | 0 | Sagittarius (centre) | This is the galaxy containing the Sun and its Solar System, and therefore Earth. Most things visible to the naked eye in the sky are part of it, including the Milky Way composing the Zone of Avoidance. |
| Large Magellanic Cloud | 0 | 160 kly (49 kpc) | Dorado/Mensa | Visible only from the southern hemisphere. It is also the brightest patch of nebulosity in the sky. |
| Small Magellanic Cloud (NGC 292) | 2 | 200 kly (61 kpc) | Tucana | Visible only from the southern hemisphere. |
| Andromeda Galaxy (M31, NGC 224) | 3 | 2 Mly (770 kpc) | Andromeda | Once called the Great Andromeda Nebula, it is situated in the Andromeda constellation. |
| Triangulum Galaxy (M33, NGC 598) | 5 | 2 Mly (890 kpc) | Triangulum | Being a diffuse object, its visibility is strongly affected by even small amounts of light pollution, ranging from easily visible in direct vision in truly dark skies to a difficult averted vision object in rural/suburban skies. |
| Centaurus A (NGC 5128) | 6 | 13 Mly (4 Mpc) | Centaurus | Centaurus A has been spotted with the naked eye by Stephen James O'Meara. |
| Bode's Galaxy (M81, NGC 3031) | 6 | 12 Mly (3 Mpc) | Ursa Major | Highly experienced amateur astronomers may be able to see Messier 81 under exceptional observing conditions. |
· Observational firsts
First spiral galaxy
First spiral galaxy
First
First spiral galaxy
Galaxy
Whirlpool Galaxy
Constellation
Canes Venatici
Year
1845
Notes
Lord William Parsons, Earl of Rosse discovered the first spiral nebula from observing M51 (recognition of the spiral shape without the recognition of the object as outside the Milky Way).
Notion of galaxy
Notion of galaxy
First
Notion of galaxy
Galaxy
Milky Way
& Andromeda Galaxy
Constellation
Sagittarius (centre)
& Andromeda
Year
1923
Notes
Recognition of the Milky Way and the Andromeda nebula as two separate galaxies by Edwin Hubble.
First Seyfert galaxy
First Seyfert galaxy
First
First Seyfert galaxy
Galaxy
NGC 1068 (M77)
Constellation
Cetus
Year
1943
(1908)
Notes
The characteristics of Seyfert galaxies were first observed in M77 in 1908; however, Seyferts were defined as a class in 1943.
First radio galaxy
First radio galaxy
First
First radio galaxy
Galaxy
Cygnus A
Constellation
Cygnus
Year
1951
Notes
Of several items, then called radio stars, Cygnus A was identified with a distant galaxy, being the first of many radio stars to become a radio galaxy.
First quasar
First quasar
First
First quasar
Galaxy
3C 273
Constellation
Virgo
Year
1962
Notes
3C273 was the first quasar with its redshift determined, and by some considered the first quasar.
3C 48
3C 48
First
3C 48
Galaxy
Triangulum
Constellation
1960
Year
3C48 was the first "radio-star" with an unreadable spectrum, and by others considered the first quasar.
First superluminal galactic jet
First superluminal galactic jet
First
First superluminal galactic jet
Galaxy
3C 279
Constellation
Virgo
Year
1971
Notes
The jet is emitted by a quasar
First low surface brightness galaxy
First low surface brightness galaxy
First
First low surface brightness galaxy
Galaxy
Malin 1
Constellation
Coma Berenices
Year
1986
Notes
Malin 1 was the first verified LSB galaxy. LSB galaxies had been first theorized in 1976.
First superluminal jet from a Seyfert
First superluminal jet from a Seyfert
First
First superluminal jet from a Seyfert
Galaxy
III Zw 2
Constellation
Pisces
Year
2000
| First | Galaxy | Constellation | Year | Notes |
| First spiral galaxy | Whirlpool Galaxy | Canes Venatici | 1845 | Lord William Parsons, Earl of Rosse discovered the first spiral nebula from observing M51 (recognition of the spiral shape without the recognition of the object as outside the Milky Way). |
| Notion of galaxy | Milky Way & Andromeda Galaxy | Sagittarius (centre) & Andromeda | 1923 | Recognition of the Milky Way and the Andromeda nebula as two separate galaxies by Edwin Hubble. |
| First Seyfert galaxy | NGC 1068 (M77) | Cetus | 1943 (1908) | The characteristics of Seyfert galaxies were first observed in M77 in 1908; however, Seyferts were defined as a class in 1943. |
| First radio galaxy | Cygnus A | Cygnus | 1951 | Of several items, then called radio stars, Cygnus A was identified with a distant galaxy, being the first of many radio stars to become a radio galaxy. |
| First quasar | 3C 273 | Virgo | 1962 | 3C273 was the first quasar with its redshift determined, and by some considered the first quasar. |
| 3C 48 | Triangulum | 1960 | 3C48 was the first "radio-star" with an unreadable spectrum, and by others considered the first quasar. | |
| First superluminal galactic jet | 3C 279 | Virgo | 1971 | The jet is emitted by a quasar |
| First low surface brightness galaxy | Malin 1 | Coma Berenices | 1986 | Malin 1 was the first verified LSB galaxy. LSB galaxies had been first theorized in 1976. |
| First superluminal jet from a Seyfert | III Zw 2 | Pisces | 2000 |
Prototype Galaxies · Prototypes
BL Lac object
BL Lac object
Class
BL Lac object
Galaxy
BL Lacertae (BL Lac)
Constellation
Lacerta
Notes
This AGN was originally catalogued as a variable star, and "stars" of its type are considered BL Lac objects.
Hoag-type Galaxy
Hoag-type Galaxy
Class
Hoag-type Galaxy
Galaxy
Hoag's Object
Constellation
Serpens Caput
Notes
This is the prototype Hoag-type ring galaxy
Giant LSB galaxy
Giant LSB galaxy
Class
Giant LSB galaxy
Galaxy
Malin 1
Constellation
Coma Berenices
Date
1986
FR II radio galaxy
(double-lobed radio galaxy)
FR II radio galaxy
(double-lobed radio galaxy)
Class
FR II radio galaxy
(double-lobed radio galaxy)
Galaxy
Cygnus A
Constellation
Cygnus
Date
1951
Starburst galaxy
Starburst galaxy
Class
Starburst galaxy
Galaxy
Cigar Galaxy
Constellation
Ursa Major
Flocculent spiral galaxy
Flocculent spiral galaxy
Class
Flocculent spiral galaxy
Galaxy
NGC 2841
Constellation
Ursa Major
| Class | Galaxy | Constellation | Date | Notes |
| BL Lac object | BL Lacertae (BL Lac) | Lacerta | This AGN was originally catalogued as a variable star, and "stars" of its type are considered BL Lac objects. | |
| Hoag-type Galaxy | Hoag's Object | Serpens Caput | This is the prototype Hoag-type ring galaxy | |
| Giant LSB galaxy | Malin 1 | Coma Berenices | 1986 | |
| FR II radio galaxy (double-lobed radio galaxy) | Cygnus A | Cygnus | 1951 | |
| Starburst galaxy | Cigar Galaxy | Ursa Major | ||
| Flocculent spiral galaxy | NGC 2841 | Ursa Major |
· Closest and most distant-known galaxies by type
Closest galaxy
Closest galaxy
Title
Closest galaxy
Galaxy
Ursa Major III
Constellation
Ursa Major
Distance
32,600 light-years
(10 kiloparsecs)
Notes
A proposed dwarf galaxy known as the Canis Major Overdensity may lie closer at 25,000 light-years, however its status as a galaxy is disputed.
Most distant galaxy
Most distant galaxy
Title
Most distant galaxy
Galaxy
MoM-z14
Constellation
Sextans
Distance
z=14
Notes
Existed 280 million years after the Big Bang.
Closest quasar
Closest quasar
Title
Closest quasar
Galaxy
Markarian 231
Constellation
Ursa Major
Distance
z=0
Notes
Sometimes classified as a Type-2 Seyfert galaxy, though mostly considered to be the nearest quasar.
Most distant quasar
Most distant quasar
Title
Most distant quasar
Galaxy
UHZ1
Constellation
Sculptor
Distance
z=10
Notes
Gravitationally lensed quasar behind Pandora's Cluster (Abell 2744). It is also the first quasar observed beyond a redshift of 10.
Closest radio galaxy
Closest radio galaxy
Title
Closest radio galaxy
Galaxy
Centaurus A (NGC 5128, PKS 1322–427)
Constellation
Centaurus
Distance
13 Mly
Most distant radio galaxy
Most distant radio galaxy
Title
Most distant radio galaxy
Galaxy
ILT J2336+1842
Constellation
Pegasus
Distance
z=6
Notes
Another radio galaxy, GLEAM J0917-0012, may either lie at z=2 or as distant as z=8 .
Closest Seyfert galaxy
Closest Seyfert galaxy
Title
Closest Seyfert galaxy
Galaxy
Circinus Galaxy
Constellation
Circinus
Distance
13 Mly
Notes
Closest undisputed Seyfert galaxy. It has been proposed that the nearby (2 Mly) dwarf galaxy NGC 185 may also be a Seyfert, though this status has been disputed.
Most distant Seyfert galaxy
Most distant Seyfert galaxy
Title
Most distant Seyfert galaxy
Galaxy
HSC 0921+0007
Constellation
Hydra
Distance
z=6
Notes
Seyfert 1 galaxy; also a low-luminosity quasar.
Closest blazar
Closest blazar
Title
Closest blazar
Galaxy
Markarian 421 (Mrk 421, Mkn 421, PKS 1101+384, LEDA 33452)
Constellation
Ursa Major
Distance
z=0
Notes
This is a BL Lac object.
Most distant-known blazar
Most distant-known blazar
Title
Most distant-known blazar
Galaxy
Q0906+6930
Constellation
Ursa Major
Distance
z=5
Notes
This is a flat spectrum radio-loud quasar-type blazar.
Closest BL Lac object
Closest BL Lac object
Title
Closest BL Lac object
Galaxy
Centaurus A
Constellation
Centaurus
Distance
13 Mly
Notes
Misaligned BL Lac nucleus. Also the closest radio galaxy (see above)
Most distant BL Lac object
Most distant BL Lac object
Title
Most distant BL Lac object
Galaxy
FIRST J233153 +112952
Constellation
Pegasus
Distance
z=6
Closest LINER
Closest LINER
Title
Closest LINER
Most distant LINER
Most distant LINER
Title
Most distant LINER
Distance
z=
Closest LIRG
Closest LIRG
Title
Closest LIRG
Most distant LIRG
Most distant LIRG
Title
Most distant LIRG
Distance
z=
Closest ULIRG
Closest ULIRG
Title
Closest ULIRG
Galaxy
IC 1127 (Arp 220/APG 220)
Constellation
Serpens Caput
Distance
z=0
Most distant ULIRG
Most distant ULIRG
Title
Most distant ULIRG
Distance
z=
Closest starburst galaxy
Closest starburst galaxy
Title
Closest starburst galaxy
Galaxy
IC 10 (UGC 192, PGC 1305)
Constellation
Cassiopeia
Distance
750 ± 150 kpc (2,450,000 ± 489,000 ly)
Notes
A mild starburst galaxy, this is the only such galaxy within the Local Group.
Most distant starburst galaxy
Most distant starburst galaxy
Title
Most distant starburst galaxy
Galaxy
SPT 0243-49
Constellation
Horologium
Distance
z=5
Most distant spiral galaxy
Most distant spiral galaxy
Title
Most distant spiral galaxy
Galaxy
Zhúlóng
Constellation
Sextans
Distance
z=5
Closest jellyfish galaxy
Closest jellyfish galaxy
Title
Closest jellyfish galaxy
Galaxy
IC 3418
Constellation
Virgo
Distance
17 Mpc
Most distant jellyfish galaxy
Most distant jellyfish galaxy
Title
Most distant jellyfish galaxy
Galaxy
COSMOS2020-635829
Constellation
Sextans
Distance
z=1
Notes
A candidate jellyfish galaxy.
| Title | Galaxy | Constellation | Distance | Notes |
| Closest galaxy | Ursa Major III | Ursa Major | 32,600 light-years (10 kiloparsecs) | A proposed dwarf galaxy known as the Canis Major Overdensity may lie closer at 25,000 light-years, however its status as a galaxy is disputed. |
| Most distant galaxy | MoM-z14 | Sextans | z=14 | Existed 280 million years after the Big Bang. |
| Closest quasar | Markarian 231 | Ursa Major | z=0 | Sometimes classified as a Type-2 Seyfert galaxy, though mostly considered to be the nearest quasar. |
| Most distant quasar | UHZ1 | Sculptor | z=10 | Gravitationally lensed quasar behind Pandora's Cluster (Abell 2744). It is also the first quasar observed beyond a redshift of 10. |
| Closest radio galaxy | Centaurus A (NGC 5128, PKS 1322–427) | Centaurus | 13 Mly | |
| Most distant radio galaxy | ILT J2336+1842 | Pegasus | z=6 | Another radio galaxy, GLEAM J0917-0012, may either lie at z=2 or as distant as z=8 . |
| Closest Seyfert galaxy | Circinus Galaxy | Circinus | 13 Mly | Closest undisputed Seyfert galaxy. It has been proposed that the nearby (2 Mly) dwarf galaxy NGC 185 may also be a Seyfert, though this status has been disputed. |
| Most distant Seyfert galaxy | HSC 0921+0007 | Hydra | z=6 | Seyfert 1 galaxy; also a low-luminosity quasar. |
| Closest blazar | Markarian 421 (Mrk 421, Mkn 421, PKS 1101+384, LEDA 33452) | Ursa Major | z=0 | This is a BL Lac object. |
| Most distant-known blazar | Q0906+6930 | Ursa Major | z=5 | This is a flat spectrum radio-loud quasar-type blazar. |
| Closest BL Lac object | Centaurus A | Centaurus | 13 Mly | Misaligned BL Lac nucleus. Also the closest radio galaxy (see above) |
| Most distant BL Lac object | FIRST J233153 +112952 | Pegasus | z=6 | |
| Closest LINER | ||||
| Most distant LINER | z= | |||
| Closest LIRG | ||||
| Most distant LIRG | z= | |||
| Closest ULIRG | IC 1127 (Arp 220/APG 220) | Serpens Caput | z=0 | |
| Most distant ULIRG | z= | |||
| Closest starburst galaxy | IC 10 (UGC 192, PGC 1305) | Cassiopeia | 750 ± 150 kpc (2,450,000 ± 489,000 ly) | A mild starburst galaxy, this is the only such galaxy within the Local Group. |
| Most distant starburst galaxy | SPT 0243-49 | Horologium | z=5 | |
| Most distant spiral galaxy | Zhúlóng | Sextans | z=5 | |
| Closest jellyfish galaxy | IC 3418 | Virgo | 17 Mpc | |
| Most distant jellyfish galaxy | COSMOS2020-635829 | Sextans | z=1 | A candidate jellyfish galaxy. |
References
- Excluding the Sun. Using the formula for addition of apparent magnitudes, the added magnitudes of all stars in the Milky
- z represents redshift, a measure of recessional velocity and inferred distance due to cosmological expansion.
- quasars and other AGN are not included on this list, since they are only galactic cores, unless the host galaxy was obse
- antiquity – 1913 (based on redshift); antiquity – 1930 (based on Cepheids)
- The quick-look major axis physical diameter given by NED of 273 kiloparsecs (893,000 light-years) was based on an earlie
- How Many Galaxies Are There? Astronomers Are Revealing the Enormity of the Universehttps://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/how-many-galaxies-are-there-astronomers-are-revealing-the-enormity-of-the
- MNRAShttps://doi.org/10.1093%2Fmnras%2Fstu1817
- "Milkomeda, Our Future Home"https://web.archive.org/web/20150928082648/https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/news/su200822
- Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Societyhttps://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1365-2966.2008.13048.x
- The Caldwell Objectshttps://books.google.com/books?id=3Hg6YHgx9nAC&pg=PA242
- The Astronomical Journalhttps://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1994AJ....107..173R
- Messier's Nebulae and Star Clusters
- "NASA to Reexamine Nicknames for Cosmic Objects - NASA"https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system/nasa-to-reexamine-nicknames-for-cosmic-objects/
- NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Databasehttp://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/cgi-bin/objsearch?search_type=Obj_id&objid=56033
- Proceedings of the International Astronomical Unionhttps://doi.org/10.1017%2FS1743921313001543
- The Astrophysical Journalhttps://arxiv.org/abs/1504.01734
- "NGC 4151: An Active Black Hole in the "Eye of Sauron""http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2011/n4151/
- "NASA's Hubble Surveys Gigantic Galaxy | NASA"https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2020/nasas-hubble-surveys-gigantic-galaxy
- wwwhttps://www.spacetelescope.org/images/heic0810bq/
- wwwhttps://web.archive.org/web/20201220131824/https://www.spacetelescope.org/images/potw1727a/