SUNSET: 
0
Photographer:
Steve Busch
Location of Photo:
Henderson, NV
Date/Time of photo:
Nov 24-29, 2025
Equipment:
AP 130mm GTX Starfire, AP Mach 2, ZWO ASI2600 MC Pro
Description:
It is called the "Phantom Galaxy" due to its low surface brightness, which makes it one of the most difficult objects for amateur astronomers to observe visually. M74 is classified as a grand-design spiral galaxy, meaning its spiral arms are prominent, symmetrical, and well-defined. Observers on Earth see the galaxy nearly face-on, offering a perfect view of its intricate structure. It is estimated to contain about 100 billion stars and is 32 million light years away in the constellation Pisces.
