The Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253) is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Sculptor. The Sculptor Galaxy is a starburst galaxy, which means that it is currently undergoing a period of intense star formation.
NGC 253 was one of the major discoveries of Caroline Herschel, the sister of William Herschel (according to John Herschel's GC). She discovered this object on September 23, 1783 with "an excellent small Newtonian Sweeper" of 27 inches focal length and a power of 30 (William Herschel's description). William Herschel included it in his catalog as No. V.1. |
