🌟 A Companion That Completes the Andromeda Picture
Catching M110 in the same field as the vast spiral of M31 and the tight oval of M32 lets you see three very different galaxy types side-by-side—spiral, dwarf elliptical, and compact elliptical—adding depth to what is often a one-galaxy observation.

🌟 A Genuine Dwarf Elliptical You Can Actually See
Most dwarf ellipticals are too faint for amateurs, but M110 is bright enough to spot in binoculars under dark skies and shows a clearly extended oval in small to medium telescopes, offering a rare direct look at this galaxy class.

🌟 Surprising Structure in a “Featureless” Galaxy
With steady skies and moderate aperture, observers can tease out an off-center nucleus and faint dust patches—unusual features for an elliptical and a satisfying challenge that makes you linger at the eyepiece.

🌟 Minimal Equipment Needed
From a dark site, a simple sweep north-west of Andromeda’s core brings M110 into view; it shares low-power fields in 4-inch refractors and even quality 50 mm binoculars, so no large telescope is required to log it.

🌟 A Photogenic Trio for Astrophotographers
Long exposures easily frame M31, M32, and M110 together, capturing their contrasting sizes and tonal differences in one shot—an appealing project that also highlights M110’s subtle dust lanes.

🌟 Historical Curiosity in the Messier List
M110 was added to the catalog long after Messier’s time, making it one of the “posthumous Messiers.” Observing it connects you with the evolving history of deep-sky discovery and the continuing refinement of Charles Messier’s famous list.

Find the large Great Square of Pegasus asterism. In fall evenings, it can be found in the eastern sky. The top left star of the square is Alpheratz (+2.05), which technically belongs to the constellation Andromeda.

Hop four times from Alpheratz (+2.05) to Delta Andromedae (+3.26) to Mirach (+2.07) to Mu Andromedae (+3.86) and finally to Nu Andromedae (+4.53). If you can't see Nu Andromedae, simply estimate its position.

Using a binocular, or telescope finder, point to Nu Andromedae. Using a binocular or low-powered eyepiece, hop just 1.5° to M31 and then M110. With binoculars or a low powered eyepiece, it is possible to view M110, M31 and M32 together. Explore!

✅ Use Low Power to Frame the Trio
Start with a low-power eyepiece to capture Messier 110, M31, and M32 in the same field. This wide view makes it easier to spot M110 just northwest of Andromeda’s core as a faint, extended glow.

✅ Observe from a Dark Site
M110 is relatively diffuse and easily washed out by light pollution. A dark sky (Bortle 1–3) greatly improves your chances of seeing its full extent and distinguishing it from the background haze of M31.

✅ Let Your Eyes Adjust
Spend at least 20 minutes in darkness before viewing. Full dark adaptation helps reveal M110’s soft outline and any subtle structure, especially in small or medium scopes.

✅ Try Averted Vision for Detail
Look slightly to the side of M110 instead of directly at it. This technique boosts sensitivity to faint light, making the galaxy appear more distinct and possibly revealing its off-center core.

❌ Naked Eye
With the naked eye, Messier 110 is not visible, even under the darkest skies, as its low surface brightness and diffuse nature make it too faint to detect without optical aid.

✅ Binoculars
In binoculars, especially under dark skies, M110 appears as a soft, faint smudge just northwest of the Andromeda Galaxy’s bright core. Its shape is subtle, and it can be mistaken for part of M31’s halo unless carefully distinguished.

✅ Small Telescope
Through a small telescope, around 3 to 4 inches in aperture, M110 becomes more clearly defined as a distinct, elongated oval. It appears larger and more diffuse than the compact M32 and stands out best with low magnification that also frames M31.

✅ Medium Telescope
A medium telescope, in the 6- to 8-inch range, reveals more structure. The galaxy shows an extended form with a brighter center, and in very dark conditions, observers may glimpse its slightly off-center nucleus or hints of mottling.

✅ Large Telescope
In a large telescope, 10 inches or more, M110 shows noticeable improvement in contrast and texture. While still a relatively featureless elliptical, faint dust lanes and an uneven brightness profile may appear with careful observation. Its soft, glowing form is clearly distinct from M31 and offers a quiet but rewarding view of a nearby dwarf galaxy.

🟣 In Bortle 1–2 skies, Messier 110 is easy to distinguish as a soft, elongated glow northwest of the Andromeda Galaxy. Its oval shape stands out clearly, and the contrast with M31’s bright halo makes it an elegant companion in the field. Subtle features like an off-center core or faint dustiness may be glimpsed with patience.

🔵 Under Bortle 3–4 conditions, M110 remains visible and distinct, though fainter. Its shape is still clear, but finer details fade, and it begins to blend more with M31’s outer glow. Averted vision helps enhance its visibility.

🟡 In Bortle 5–6 skies, M110 becomes more challenging. It appears dimmer and more diffuse, and some observers may miss it entirely if they’re not familiar with its position relative to M31. It lacks clear edges and fades into the background.

🟠 Under Bortle 7+ skies, M110 is extremely difficult to observe. Light pollution drowns out its faint light, and it becomes nearly indistinguishable from M31’s outer halo or vanishes altogether, especially in smaller instruments.