2007-09-21 02:41:41 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Andromeda is the nearest *large* galaxy to our own, but it is not the nearest galaxy. The Megallanic Clouds are much closer, in actual orbit around us. But the nearest known galaxy to the Milky Way is the Canis Minor Dwarf Galaxy, which is about 25,000 light-years from Earth, less than 1/4 of the distance to the Megallanic Clouds.
2007-09-21 03:01:49 · answer #1 · answered by ZikZak 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The nearest other galaxy to our milky way is Andromeda
The Andromeda Galaxy (IPA: /ˌænˈdrɒmədə/, also known as Messier 31, M31, or NGC 224; older texts often called it the Great Andromeda Nebula) is a spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. It is the nearest spiral galaxy to our own, the Milky Way.
Andromeda is the largest galaxy of the Local Group, which consists of the Andromeda Galaxy, the Milky Way Galaxy, the Triangulum Galaxy, and about 30 other smaller galaxies. Although the largest, it may not be the most massive, as recent findings suggest that the Milky Way contains more dark matter and may be the most massive in the grouping. However, recent observations by the Spitzer Space Telescope revealed that M31 contains one trillion (1012) stars, greatly exceeding the number of stars in our own galaxy. 2006 estimates put the mass of the Milky Way to be ~80% of the mass of Andromeda, which is estimated to be 7.1×1011 solar masses.
At an apparent magnitude of 3.5, the Andromeda Galaxy is notable for being one of the brightest Messier objects,making it easily visible to the naked eye even when viewed from areas with moderate light pollution. It appears quite small without a telescope because only the central part is bright enough to be visible, but the full angular diameter of the galaxy is seven times that of the full moon.
2007-09-21 03:47:03 · answer #2 · answered by dora-san 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If we consider satellite Galaxies then the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy is the closest galaxy. It is a satellite Galaxy to the Milky Way. It is about 50000 light years away from the core of the milky way orbiting in a polar orbit. If satellite Galaxies are excluded then Andromeda is the closest at about 2.5 Million light years.
2007-09-21 03:15:23 · answer #3 · answered by Baybars 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The nearest, true collection of stars are the Magellanic clouds - small, irregular galaxies that orbit the Milkyway. (They're about 70,000 lightyears away) The closest to our size galaxy is Andromeda, about 2.2 million light years distant - and on a collision course with us.
2007-09-21 04:10:57 · answer #4 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Next closest separate galaxy to the Milky Way is the Andromeda Galaxy.
But you could consider our "satellite" dwarf galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Small Magellanic Cloud, to be closest to the Milky Way.
2007-09-21 02:48:31 · answer #5 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The nearest discreet GALAXY is the Andromeda Galaxy but the Large and Small Megallenic Clouds are parts of our local group.
2007-09-21 02:48:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Andromeda or the Alpha Centauri
2007-09-21 08:30:34 · answer #7 · answered by Alexecution: Kickilution 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Andromeda.
Yep, I know about 17 other people told you the answer, but I knew it too, so what the hey.
:-)
2007-09-21 11:10:13 · answer #8 · answered by Hello Dave 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Andromeda galaxy i think!
2007-09-21 02:50:10 · answer #9 · answered by Ste B 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
im not exactly sure myself as i dont go near that place often but i think it might be maltserers
2007-09-21 02:55:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋