Nearby galaxy discovered
Posted: Sun, Nov 9, 2003, 11:45 PM ET (0445 GMT)
Astronomers have discovered the closest known galaxy to the Milky Way, a tiny galaxy in the process of colliding with our own galaxy. The Canis Major dwarf galaxy, named after the constellation the galaxy appears in as seen from Earth, is only 25,000 light-years from the solar system and 42,000 light-years from the center of the Milky Way. The galaxy was seen in infrared light as part of the Two-Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS); the galaxy had evaded earlier detection despite its proximity because of intervening dust clouds that block visible, but not infrared, light. The galaxy has about one billion stars and is in the process of being absorbed by the much larger Milky Way. Astronomers theorize that such collisions may allow the Milky Way to continue to grow.
Astronomers have discovered the closest known galaxy to the Milky Way, a tiny galaxy in the process of colliding with our own galaxy. The Canis Major dwarf galaxy, named after the constellation the galaxy appears in as seen from Earth, is only 25,000 light-years from the solar system and 42,000 light-years from the center of the Milky Way. The galaxy was seen in infrared light as part of the Two-Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS); the galaxy had evaded earlier detection despite its proximity because of intervening dust clouds that block visible, but not infrared, light. The galaxy has about one billion stars and is in the process of being absorbed by the much larger Milky Way. Astronomers theorize that such collisions may allow the Milky Way to continue to grow.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, September 1
OHB Secures €1 Billion Deal For 18 IRIS² MEO Satellites
Aviation Week — 5:55 am ET (0955 GMT) OHB to Build 18 MEO Satellites for IRIS² in Nearly €1B Award
ViaSatellite — 5:55 am ET (0955 GMT) NDIA SWF: USSPACECOM leaders emphasize allied and commercial integration as critical to countering space threats
US Space Command — 5:53 am ET (0953 GMT) Northwood Space Expands California-Based Manufacturing Footprint
Aviation Week — 5:52 am ET (0952 GMT) U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, Space Force general visit L3Harris to see Golden Dome work
Greater Fort Wayne (IN) Business Weekly — 5:52 am ET (0952 GMT) |
