It is located in the constellation Cetus at a distance of 45 million light-years from Earth. M77 has an apparent magnitude of 9.6 and can be seen using a small telescope.

Messier Code or Messier Catalogue Number is a way of identifying Contractors. Its name in the anime is derived from that of the astronomer Charles Messier. Ten years ago, during the time when the gates first came into being, the Stars were replaced by False Stars. This was the time when Contractors came into being.

noun. , Astronomy. a number (preceded by M) designating the 109 double stars, clusters, nebulae, and galaxies in the Messier catalog.

M77 is a notable 9th magnitude face-on barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Cetus. This galaxy contains an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN), which although obscured by dust at visible wavelengths is detectable due to strong emissions in the infrared, ultraviolet, and X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.