Andromeda Devouring Neighbor Galaxy 60
Scientific Ninja writes "Astronomers in the University of Sydney have captured pictures of a 'union' between our closest neighboring galaxy, Andromeda, and its smaller neighbor, the Triangulum Galaxy. Published in the journal Nature on September 3rd, the research shows how large galaxies grow by incorporating stars from surrounding smaller galaxies. This popular model of galaxy evolution, called the 'hierarchical model,' predicts that large galaxies such as Andromeda, which can be seen with the naked eye from the northern hemisphere, should be surrounded by relics of smaller galaxies it has connected with."
Closest? (Score:2, Informative)
I thought Andromeda was only the closest /spiral/ galaxy. There are other satellite galaxies rotating around the Milky Way which are closer in distance than Andromeda.
Re:Not quite (Score:3, Informative)
Was that intended as a joke?
+1 Funny [discovermagazine.com]