The Andromeda (M31)
Our Neighbor Galaxy
The Andromeda Galaxy is the closest large galaxy to the Milky Way — about 2.5 million light-years away.
It’s also a spiral galaxy, and even bigger than the Milky Way!
Scientists believe that in about 4 billion years, the Milky Way and Andromeda will collide and merge into one giant galaxy.
Fun Fact: You can see Andromeda with your eyes on a very dark, clear night!
🏛️ Origin of the Name
The Andromeda Galaxy is named after the Andromeda constellation, where it appears in the sky.
In Greek mythology, Princess Andromeda was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster, but was rescued by the hero Perseus.
The galaxy lies within that same star pattern, so astronomers named it after her.
Why the Name:
It’s in the Andromeda constellation, and named to honor the myth of Princess Andromeda.The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest galaxy in our local group (after the Milky Way and Andromeda).
The Andromeda Galaxy is the closest large galaxy to the Milky Way — about 2.5 million light-years away.
It’s also a spiral galaxy, and even bigger than the Milky Way!
Scientists believe that in about 4 billion years, the Milky Way and Andromeda will collide and merge into one giant galaxy.
Fun Fact: You can see Andromeda with your eyes on a very dark, clear night!
🏛️ Origin of the Name
The Andromeda Galaxy is named after the Andromeda constellation, where it appears in the sky.
In Greek mythology, Princess Andromeda was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster, but was rescued by the hero Perseus.
The galaxy lies within that same star pattern, so astronomers named it after her.
Why the Name:
It’s in the Andromeda constellation, and named to honor the myth of Princess Andromeda.The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest galaxy in our local group (after the Milky Way and Andromeda).