NGC 304

NGC 304 is a lenticular galaxy located in the constellation Andromeda. It is estimated to be approximately 230 million light-years away from Earth and has a diameter of about 80,000 light-years.

NGC 304 is a member of the Abell 262 galaxy cluster, which is part of the Perseus-Pisces Supercluster. Lenticular galaxies, like NGC 304, are intermediate between spiral and elliptical galaxies, possessing a disk but lacking prominent spiral arms. They typically contain little gas and dust and are therefore not actively forming stars.

Observations indicate that NGC 304 has a relatively smooth, featureless disk and a bright central bulge. It is considered to be a relatively isolated galaxy within the Abell 262 cluster, not showing strong signs of interaction with other cluster members.

The galaxy was discovered on October 27, 1786, by William Herschel. Its position is approximately Right Ascension 00h 56m 06.0s, Declination +24° 07' 56".