NGC 721 is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Andromeda. It is estimated to be approximately 235 million light-years away from Earth and has a diameter of about 110,000 light-years.
NGC 721 is classified as a type Sc galaxy according to the Hubble sequence, indicating a spiral galaxy with loosely wound spiral arms and a small central bulge. It is considered a relatively isolated galaxy, meaning it is not part of a rich galaxy cluster or group.
While not visually spectacular through small telescopes, detailed astronomical observations reveal ongoing star formation within its spiral arms. Studies of NGC 721 focus on understanding its structure, stellar populations, and the distribution of gas and dust within the galaxy. Its redshift value is approximately 0.0176, contributing to the determination of its distance. It was discovered on September 2, 1886, by Lewis Swift.