Posted on 09/26/2015 2:39:28 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
Explanation: Separated by about 14 degrees (28 Full Moons) in planet Earth's sky, spiral galaxies M31 at left, and M33 are both large members of the Local Group, along with our own Milky Way galaxy. This narrow- and wide-angle, multi-camera composite finds details of spiral structure in both, while the massive neighboring galaxies seem to be balanced in starry fields either side of bright Mirach, beta star in the constellation Andromeda. Mirach is just 200 light-years from the Sun. But M31, the Andromeda Galaxy, is really 2.5 million light-years distant and M33, the Triangulum Galaxy, is also about 3 million light years away. Although they look far apart, M31 and M33 are engaged in a gravitational struggle. In fact, radio astronomers have found indications of a bridge of neutral hydrogen gas that could connect the two, evidence of a closer encounter in the past. Based on measurements, gravitational simulations currently predict that the Milky Way, M31, and M33 will all undergo mutual close encounters and potentially mergers, billions of years in the future.
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[Credit and Copyright: Malcolm Park (North York Astronomical Association)]
Beautiful view - thanks, SunkenCiv!
The wonders of the technology of telescopes.
“undergo mutual close encounters and potentially mergers, billions of years in the future.”
But they may only merge with SEC approval.
Thanks again for posting all of these.
Was one of these the ginormous star we saw to the east just before sunrise today?
That’s the planet Venus.
There’s a “blood moon” lunar eclipse on Sunday.
;’)
My pleasure!
Very beautiful. Thanks for posting.
Messier objects are big faves. :’)
Messier objects? Depends if you pronounce Messier like the hockey player’s name or not! Ha! My combo could be a bit messy.
BTW, I always love seeing the Astronomy Picture of the Day. I need not be on the ping list, I always look for it when scrolling through threads. Thanks for posting it!
There are messy objects, and then there are Messier ones! ;’)
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