Many astronomers claim that M-74 is the hardest of the Messiers to see; but I disagree, finding M-101 much more difficult. Usually this galaxy looks like a circular blur (my first impression was one of a flounder, a fitting name since it is in the constellation Pisces), but on dark, clear nights some hints of spirality can be seen.
| NGC: | 628 |
| OTHER NAMES: | M-74 |
| CLASS: | spiral galaxy |
| SIZE: | 8' x 8' |
| MAGNITUDE: | +10 |
| POSITION: | 01h 35m +15d 38' |
| CONSTELLATION: | Pisces |
| DATE OF SKETCH: | 10/02/75 |
| MAGNIFICATION USED: | 70x |
