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
|
|
Roscosmos replaces cosmonaut on next Crew Dragon mission to ISS
Posted: Sat, Dec 6 9:45 AM ET (1445 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, December 23
Innospace's Hanbit-Nano falls to ground after liftoff in Brazil
Yonhap News — 7:45 am ET (1245 GMT) Rocket Launched by Korea’s Innospace Crashes; Shares Tumble
Bloomberg News — 7:45 am ET (1245 GMT) Korea’s first commercial space launch attempt fails as Hanbit-Nano rocket appears to explode after liftoff
JoongAng Daily — 7:44 am ET (1244 GMT) Korea’s 1st commercial space vehicle launch fails
Korea Times — 7:43 am ET (1243 GMT) Innospace’s Hanbit-Nano Rocket Fails In Inaugural Launch
Aviation Week — 7:43 am ET (1243 GMT) |
