NGC 81

NGC 81 is a lenticular galaxy located approximately 270 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. It was discovered on November 15, 1884, by French astronomer Guillaume Bigourdan.

As a lenticular galaxy (type S0), NGC 81 possesses characteristics intermediate between spiral and elliptical galaxies. Like spiral galaxies, it has a central bulge and a surrounding disk; however, unlike spirals, it lacks prominent spiral arms. The disk of a lenticular galaxy typically contains little or no ongoing star formation, resulting in a smoother, more uniform appearance compared to the more active and dusty spiral galaxies.

NGC 81 is relatively small, with an estimated diameter of around 50,000 light-years. It is a member of the NGC 80 group of galaxies, a small gravitationally bound group in the Andromeda constellation. These types of galaxy groups are common throughout the universe and provide important insights into galaxy evolution through gravitational interactions and mergers.

The galaxy's coordinates are approximately Right Ascension 00h 21m 13.3s and Declination +22° 23' 00".