by Ciro Santilli (@cirosantilli, 32)
First proper nearest galaxy to the Milky Way. Everything in the middle in the Local group is either a satellite of the Milky Way or Andromeda.
Many Andromeda satellite galaxies are simply numbered Andromeda II, Andromeda III and so on.
As described on Wikipedia, the observational history of Andromeda is fascinating. Little by little, people noticed that it had a different nature to many other objects observed on the sky, and the hypothesis that there are other galaxies like ours grew in force.
Part of our fascination with Andromeda is due to how similar in size and shape and close it is to the Milky Way.
It is clearly the only thing so large and so close.
Andromeda is, without a doubt, our sister galaxy.
One can't help but wonder if there is some alien looking back at us when we are looking at them through our Telescope.
Andromeda is also the furthest object from Earth that can be seen with the naked eye.[ref] Not surprising, as it literally shines with the strength of a trillion suns!
Figure 1. Highest resolution image of Andromeda as of 2015, taken by Hubble. Source. Source also says it was the highest resolution image every released by the Hubble. This goes to show how fascinated people are by Andromeda. And there is good reason for it.
Video 1. Andromeda Shun from Saint Seiya performing his Nebula Chain attack. Source. The original Japanese music actually says "Nebula Chain" in English. The Andromeda Galaxy is shown on the back, the chain appears to go all the way to it and back towards the evil guys' head. Not very relativistic, but so be it.
Video 2. Andromeda Galaxy with only a Camera, Lens, & Tripod by Nebula Photos (2020) Source. Good job! Gives a good idea of the low end approach.

Ancestors

  1. Local group
  2. Virgo Supercluster
  3. Astronomy
  4. Natural science
  5. Science
  6. Index

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