M 31 (Andromeda Galaxy)
Facts About M 31 (Andromeda Galaxy):
The nearest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way.
Contains around 1 trillion stars, at least 3 times that of the Milky Way.
The largest galaxy of the Local Group, although the Milky Way may be more massive due to dark matter.
Possibly formed from the collision of two smaller galaxies between 5 and 9 billion years ago.
Has 14 known dwarf galaxy satellites.
Approaching the Milky Way at about 120 km/sec (400 ly per million years), and will collide with the Milky Way in about 4.5 billion years.
Contains around 1 trillion stars, at least 3 times that of the Milky Way.
The largest galaxy of the Local Group, although the Milky Way may be more massive due to dark matter.
Possibly formed from the collision of two smaller galaxies between 5 and 9 billion years ago.
Has 14 known dwarf galaxy satellites.
Approaching the Milky Way at about 120 km/sec (400 ly per million years), and will collide with the Milky Way in about 4.5 billion years.
Classification: Spiral Galaxy
Names: Andromeda Galaxy, NGC 224
Constellation: AndromedaDistance: 2.40e+19 km (2540000 ly)
Magnitude: 3.4400 (app)