Object Analysis

Maffei 1 is a giant elliptical galaxy in the constellation Cassiopeia. It was once thought to be a nebula within our own galaxy until 1968, when Italian astronomer Paolo Maffei identified it as an external galaxy. It is located about 10 million light-years away.

Maffei 1 is the closest giant elliptical galaxy to the Milky Way. If it were not hidden behind the thick dust and stars of the Milky Way's "Zone of Avoidance," it would be one of the brightest and largest galaxies in our sky—likely appearing larger than the full moon. Because of this obscuration, it is primarily studied in the infrared spectrum.

It is the dominant member of the IC 342/Maffei Group, a collection of galaxies that was once part of our Local Group but was ejected millions of years ago. It contains mostly old stars and very little gas, and it is a fascinating example of a massive galaxy hiding in plain sight.