AAPOD2 Image Archives
Caldwell 62, NGC 247 in Sculptor
Caldwell 62, also known as NGC 247, is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the Sculptor Group, located roughly 11 million light-years away. Seen at a high inclination, its elongated disk reveals loosely wound spiral structure with scattered blue star-forming regions embedded along the arms. The galaxy’s bright central core transitions into a faint, extended disk, highlighting an uneven distribution of gas and dust that reflects its relatively low surface brightness nature.
This image emphasizes the galaxy’s delicate texture against a deep background filled with distant galaxies and foreground stars. Subtle color variations trace young stellar associations and older stellar populations, while the quiet surroundings reinforce NGC 247’s isolation within its local group. The restrained contrast and wide field give the scene a calm, spacious feel, allowing the galaxy’s understated structure to stand out through detail rather than dramatic brightness.