ABSTRACT
The Sculptor system is shown on the chart, but is not readily identifiable on the photograph, because its surface brightness is so low. It is a dwarf elliptical galaxy, and has been likened to a large, very dim globular cluster; it is about 280,000 light-years from us, and is 5,000 light-years in diameter. The famed Sculptor galaxy NGC 253 is very easily found with a small telescope, and is a splendid example of a spiral seen almost edgewise. It is near the border of Cetus, and about 7.5 degrees south of Beta Ceti, which is shown at the centre top of the photograph. Sculptor has one claim to distinction; it includes the south galactic pole. The galactic plane is defined as the great circle which includes the galactic centre and the richest parts of the Milky Way; it is inclined to the celestial equator at an angle of about 63 degrees.
