Messier 74 (M74 or NGC 628 or Phantom Galaxy)
is a spiral galaxy about
30 million light-years' distant that is oriented
moderately close to perpendicular to the line of sight,
so the spiral is fully in view.
It is classified as a grand design spiral galaxy,
showing a very clear spiral structure.
A number of supernova have been identified in it.
Like Whirlpool Galaxy and Messier 100, its orientation makes it ideal for many
observations aimed at discovering the
architecture of spiral galaxies, such
as the frequency, location, and density
of molecular clouds.
Characteristics: