But for its location, NGC 404 would be just another 10th magnitude galaxy. But, in astronomy as in the business world, location is everything. This otherwise nondescript object stands shoulder to shoulder with one of the brightest stars in the autumn sky. Mirach is a 2.1 magnitude flare in the constellation Andromeda. It is the second brightest star in Andromeda and an easy naked eye target. To get to Mirach, start at Alpheratz, the star at the northeast corner of the Great Square of Pegasus. Work your way along the bottom row of stars arcing to the northeast. Mirach is the second stop on that tour. Center Mirach at high magnification and peer into the eyepiece.
| Autumn Sky Tour: NGC 404 (Andromeda) RA: 01h 09.5m / DEC: +35° 43'.1 |
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This is quite simply one of the finest views in the deep sky. NGC 404 is a 10.3 magnitude, 3' diameter spiral galaxy. Normally, this would be a fairly pedestrian target but--there's always a but--NGC 404 basks in the glare of Mirach. Mirach is bright enough to present classic diffraction spikes in my Starfinder. The delicate circular form of NGC 404 emerges from the night 6'.7 to the northwest. The galaxy's high surface brightness makes direct detection fairly easy in my 10-inch Newtonian. Observers with 4.5-inch or smaller instruments should give this galaxy a try.