Andromeda Galaxy π
The Andromeda Galaxy is barred spiral galaxy and the nearest major galaxy to us.
At one time, the Andromeda galaxy was called the Great Andromeda Nebula. Astronomers thought this patch of light was composed of glowing gases, or was perhaps a solar system in the process of formation. It wasn’t until the 20th century that astronomers were able to resolve the Andromeda spiral nebula into individual stars.
The galaxy's name has origins from area of Earth's sky in which it appears, the constellation, which itself is named after the princess who was the wife of Perseus Greek mythology.
A closeup of one of the spiral arm of the Andromeda galaxy.
Visible from Earth’s Southern Hemisphere, the Andromeda galaxy is the brightest galaxy visible in our night sky. And, at 2.5 million light years, it’s the most distant thing we humans can see with the unaided eye. From mid-northern latitudes, you can see Andromeda for at least part of every night, all year long. But most people see the galaxy first around August or September, when it’s high enough in the sky to be seen from evening until morning.
Visible from Earth’s Southern Hemisphere, the Andromeda galaxy is the brightest galaxy visible in our night sky. And, at 2.5 million light years, it’s the most distant thing we humans can see with the unaided eye. From mid-northern latitudes, you can see Andromeda for at least part of every night, all year long. But most people see the galaxy first around August or September, when it’s high enough in the sky to be seen from evening until morning.
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/science/explore-the-night-sky/hubble-messier-catalog/messier-31/https://www.space.com/15590-andromeda-galaxy-m31.html
Those amazing photos always blow me away!
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