NGC_247 is a barred spiral galaxy located approximately 11 million light-years away in the constellation Cetus. It is part of the NGC catalog, which is a collection of astronomical objects compiled by the French astronomer Philippe Loys de Chéseaux in the 18th century. NGC 247 is notable for its elongated shape and bright central region, making it a fascinating subject for astronomers. This galaxy has an apparent magnitude of about 9.5, which means it can be observed with small telescopes. NGC 247 is also a member of the NGC 253 group of galaxies, which includes other nearby galaxies like NGC 253 and NGC 288. Its proximity and structure provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies.