MB3 | |
---|---|
Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
Constellation | Cassiopeia |
Right ascension | 02h 55m 42.7s[1] |
Declination | +58° 51' 37"[1] |
Distance | ~10 Mly (~ 3 Mpc)[2] |
Group or cluster | IC 342/Maffei |
Type | dSph |
Apparent dimensions (V) | ~ 1.9′[1] |
Apparent magnitude (V) | 17.33 (V-band)[3] |
Notable features | Companion of Dwingeloo 1 |
Other designations | |
2MASX J02554290+5851394, KK98-021, | |
See also: Galaxy, List of galaxies |
MB3 is a dwarf spheroidal galaxy discovered in 1997 and located about 10 million light-years away from the Earth. It was discovered during an optical survey of the IC 342/Maffei group to which the galaxy is a member. MB3 is a companion galaxy of Dwingeloo 1 and situated in the Zone of Avoidance.[4] Dwingeloo 2 is thought to be a member of the Maffei 1 group, a group of galaxies adjacent to the Local Group.[2]
The visible diameter of Dwingeloo 2 is approximately 1.9′, which at the distance of 3 Mpc corresponds to about 2 kpc. In optical images it appears as a highly flattened diffuse oval located approximately 9.2′ to the southwest of Dwingeloo 1.[3] No neutral or molecular hydrogen has been detected in it, which is consistent with its classification as a dwarf spheroidal galaxy.[4]