NGC 244 is a lenticular galaxy located approximately 155 million light-years away in the constellation Cetus. It was discovered on December 30, 1785, by William Herschel.
Lenticular galaxies, like NGC 244, are intermediate between elliptical and spiral galaxies. They possess a central bulge and a surrounding disk, but lack prominent spiral arms. They typically contain little gas and dust, and thus have a low rate of star formation.
NGC 244 is relatively small, measuring roughly 60,000 light-years across. Its classification is S0 pec, indicating it is a lenticular galaxy with peculiar features. The "pec" designation suggests the galaxy may have undergone a recent interaction or merger with another galaxy, though evidence for a major disruptive event is not particularly strong.
Observations reveal a relatively smooth, featureless disk in NGC 244. Further detailed studies of its stellar population and dynamics would be necessary to fully understand its formation history and any past interactions.